Health First Medical Group

16/01/2026

This week was a particularly sad week for the Health First team as we said goodbye to one of our favourite Doctors.

Some people leave a lasting mark on a place and Dr Sarah Bothe is certainly one of them.

Her kindness, professionalism and genuine dedication have made a lasting impact, and she will be truly missed by both our team and the many patients she has supported.

We wish her all the very best for her new adventure and thank her for all she has given to our Practice.

12/01/2026

We’re delighted to share that our lovely Dr Vid Memon is now Sexual Health Victoria–certified to insert both copper and hormonal IUDs.

Dr Memon now joins Dr Sally McAleese and Dr Sam Culvenor in providing this important service to our patients, giving you more choice and appointment availability.

📞 Call our reception to find out more or to book a pre-insertion consultation.

31/12/2025

20/12/2025

🎄 Wishing all our patients a joyful and healthy holiday season!

15/12/2025

Tiny humans, sensitive skin

Nappy rash is very common in babies and usually improves with frequent nappy changes, gentle cleaning, and a barrier cream. Our infographic outlines simple steps to keep little bottoms healthy and comfortable.

If the rash isn’t settling, your GP can help.

08/12/2025

🌟 Planning Ahead Matters 🌟
Did you know that signing up to My Aged Care early can make a huge difference when support is needed later on? Getting registered ahead of time helps avoid delays and ensures you or your loved ones can access services smoothly when the time comes.

Booking an Over 75 Health Assessment with your GP is also a great opportunity to explore your care needs and get guidance on the My Aged Care process.

We’ve put together a helpful infographic with everything you need to know — from how to register to what services are available. 💙

If you have questions or need help getting started, our clinic team is here to support you.

29/11/2025

💉 It’s time for the final instalment of our vaccination series!
This week, we’re focusing on older adults — a group for whom staying up to date with vaccinations is especially important.

As we age, our immune system naturally weakens, making it harder to fight off infections. Vaccinations can help protect against serious illnesses like influenza, pneumonia, shingles, and COVID-19.
Your GP can guide you on which vaccines are recommended based on your age, health conditions, and vaccination history.

Keeping up to date with vaccinations is a simple, powerful way to protect your health and maintain your independence.

Thank you for following along with our series — stay well, stay informed, and stay protected!

22/11/2025

🤰💉 It’s time for this week’s vaccination update!
This week, we’re focusing on vaccinations before and during pregnancy — a key way to protect your health and give your baby the best start.

Some vaccines are recommended before conception, while others are given during pregnancy to protect you and provide your baby with early immunity. Your GP can advise you on which vaccines you may need and the best timing for them.

Staying up to date with vaccination is a simple, effective way to keep you and your baby safe. 💛

Stay tuned as we continue sharing vaccination information for other at-risk groups next week!

15/11/2025

💉 It’s time for this week’s vaccination update!
For our final week focusing on kids’ vaccinations, we’re looking at premature and low–birth-weight babies — little ones who may need extra protection early in life.

Babies who are born early or smaller than expected are more vulnerable to serious infections. The good news is that most routine childhood vaccines are given at the same chronological age (their age from birth), not their corrected age — meaning they don’t have to wait longer to start building immunity.

If your baby was born very premature or smaller than expected, your GP can guide you on the best schedule and any extra vaccines that might be recommended.

Ensuring timely vaccination — especially for infants who are more at risk — is one of the best ways to keep them safe and healthy. 💛

Stay tuned as we move on to vaccination information for other at-risk groups next week!

05/11/2025

💉 It’s time for this week’s vaccination update!
This week we’re talking about meningococcal ACWY — a vaccine that protects against four types of meningococcal bacteria (A, C, W, and Y). These infections can cause serious illness like meningitis or bloodstream infection, and can develop suddenly — even in healthy children.

The meningococcal ACWY vaccine is routinely given at 12 months of age, but did you know it can be given earlier?

Babies can receive the vaccine before 12 months (with extra doses later) for earlier protection against this serious disease.

If you’d like your child protected sooner, talk to your GP or immunisation provider about the best timing and options.

Keeping up to date with vaccines — and considering earlier protection when possible — helps keep everyone safe

01/11/2025

From November 1, you might see news stories saying that “GPs are returning to bulk billing.”

We want to be open with you that this change does not apply to our clinic.

We’ll continue to be a private billing practice so that we can offer:
❤️ Appointments with time to listen, understand and explain
❤️ Continuity of care with doctors who know you and your family
❤️ Safe, careful medicine instead of rushed consultations
❤️ A locally owned clinic that supports local jobs and our community

There has been a lot of government messaging about a “return to bulk billing”, but the incentives still don’t cover the real cost of providing quality medical care — so for many clinics, it is more of a headline announcement than a workable, long-term solution.

If you’d like to see real change, we encourage you to share your experience with your local Federal Member.

Thank you for being part of our clinic community — and for valuing the time, care and relationships that make general practice meaningful.

We genuinely appreciate your support. 💛

30/10/2025

💉 It’s time for this week’s vaccination update!

This week we’re talking about chickenpox (varicella) — a highly contagious infection that can cause hundreds of itchy blisters, high fever, and, in some cases, serious complications like pneumonia, skin infections, or inflammation of the brain.

The chickenpox vaccine is part of the routine childhood schedule, providing good protection after one dose.
But did you know a second (booster) dose is recommended for even stronger and longer-lasting protection?
While it’s not part of the free routine schedule, the booster can be given as a self-funded vaccine and helps prevent breakthrough infections and outbreaks.

Even mild cases can spread easily — keeping up to date with all recommended doses helps protect your family and the community