News and Notices:
Latest news and notices from Parkwood Medical Centre:
- Dr Adele Austin is taking a year away to spend some time doing rural and remote medicine while seeing some of the wonderful places this country has to offer. She will leave in mid December 2023, and her intention is to return in early 2025. We wish her all the very best on her travels. As usual, staff and other doctors at the practice will continue to provide assistance with the care of her patients, while we look forward to her return.
- Changes to Billing Arrangements. Due to the challenges of business sustainability impacting General Practice and the increasing cost of providing services, some arrangements regarding billing were reviewed - read about our billing changes here.
- Book your appointments online 24/7 using your smartphone, tablet or computer. Please ensure you enter your details correctly (as per your medicare card) in order to match with the Practice appointment book.
- If you have a cough, cold, or, sore throat, fever or other flu-like symptoms please do not book your appointment online (or present to reception). Instead, kindly call the Practice as we may be able to offer you a Telehealth appointment. Please note that a Telehealth appointment NOT INITIATED by the doctor will be privately billed.
- Masks are required if you have respiratory symptoms
- Only one accompanying person (if necessary) will be allowed in a consult
Coronavirus Disease: Please continue to be diligent and follow all recommended advice. See information available on the Department of Health WA Website, Australian Govt. Dept Health Coronavirus Information as well as on The World Health Organisation (WHO) Coronavirus Information Website. If you have a fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, or, suspect that you may have the virus, please get tested, isolate as advised, until you get the all clear.
Continue to protect against Covid-19 by washing your hands often, use hand sanitiser where and when available, socially distance where possible and stay healthy.
Health and Lifestyle News and Information:
Changing seasons: Summer is almost here with the weather staring to change in earnest. As always, help your immune system by:
- Getting plenty of rest
- Eating balanced healthy meals
- Getting regular exercise
- Sleeping well
Remember the 5 S's (slogan Courtesy Cancer Council) and be Sunsmart:
- Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide
View our most recent Health and Lifestyle Notices:
Communications:
Doctors are often busy with patients during our normal opening hours, although they may sometimes be interrupted for emergency advice. Our practice nurses can help when the doctor is unavailable, and our reception staff are experienced in deciding the appropriate response to any phone request.
Email Policy:
For privacy and secure messaging reasons, we do not correspond via unencrypted email. If you send a message and require a response, please contact the Practice on (08) 9457 4895.
Patient Privacy:
This practice conforms to the Privacy Act 1988. As part of this policy you will be asked for written consent for the doctors to release relevant information to a third party, e.g. a specialist, or for a brief message to be left with a contact of your choice, when necessary. It is essential that our Reception staff is made aware if any of your contact details change. A copy of our practice Privacy Policy is available here.
Test Results:
Results are reviewed by your doctor and acted on in a timely manner. You will be contacted if a follow-up appointment is necessary.
Recalls/Reminders:
The Practice has a computerised Recall/Reminder system. Some information is also transferred to the National Register (e.g. immunisation data) or State-based systems (e.g. cervical screening or breast screening registries).
A notification of your recall/reminder will be sent by SMS to your mobile phone and if you do not have one, you will receive a letter.
Kindly inform Reception if your details change. Should you require further information please speak to your Doctor.
Feedback:
Your feedback regarding our practice and services is always welcome. There is a suggestion box in the waiting room. If you have any particular concerns, you can ask to speak to Folu, our Practice Manager, who handles complaints and concerns.
If you are still dissatisfied, or unable to come to a resolution, you can contact the following formal complaint body: The Health and Disability Services Complaints Office (HaDSCO) https://www.hadsco.wa.gov.au/complaints or telephone 1800 813 583.
