North Bellingen Medical Centre

23/10/2023

Farewell from the Dr's and staff at North Bellingen Medical Centre . We have appreciated your support over the last 43 years.

If you require your medical records to still be transferred to another practice, please email nbms@nbms.com.au

11/10/2023

Gifting - books, toys & Christmas decorations.
Pop in during business hours to collect items from the table in the waiting room.

28/09/2023

NBMC will be closed on Monday 2nd October for the Public Holiday. We will reopen Tuesday 3rd October at 9am.

18/09/2023

Dementia Action Week is a major leadership, awareness and advocacy campaign led by Dementia Australia as part of our role as the peak body for people living with dementia, their families and carers in Australia. Did you know there is a free support and information group available locally?

14/09/2023

12/09/2023

11/09/2023

We are Closing...

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the closure of our General Practice services here at North Bellingen Medical Centre.

Workforce Shortages both relating to Doctors as well as support staff have impacted our ability to provide the dependable services that our patients deserve, therefore leaving us unable to compete with larger, more substantial practices which are better resourced and without the challenges that face rural General Practice such as ours currently.

While we have strived to maintain a bulk billing practice until earlier this year and have subsidised reduced fees for disadvantaged members of our community, Medicare Rebates have constantly failed to increase in any meaningful way, let alone in line with the rising costs of running a small business. North Bellingen Medical Centre as a small local business does not have access to the resources to absorb these deficiencies and passing them on to our patients even in part has been not only incredible emotionally challenging for our admin staff to manage, but also adds additional hardship for our patients and our practice has suffered enormously because of this.

The practice will officially close its doors on Friday 20th October 2023 at 5pm.

In the meantime we encourage all our patients to make one final appointment to make sure your scripts and test are up to date and to arrange for a transfer of your records.

Medical Records will continue to be securely stored, and requests for copies can be directed to our email address: nbms@nbms.com.au OR as requested by your new GP or practice.

Please note that Dr Oughton, Dr Tyler and Dr Eburn will continue to practice locally.

We are extremely proud of our achievements since we commenced servicing the Bellinger Community in 1980 and wish to extend our sincerest thanks to our past and existing staff, patients, and the community for the honour of working with you and for you over the last 40 years.

07/09/2023

The Service NSW Mobile Service Centre is scheduled to be in Bellingen next week:
- Wednesday, 13 September 2023
- 9:00am - 3:00pm
- Cnr Hyde & Ford Streets Bellingen

05/09/2023

Women’s Health Week is held from 4 to 8 September 2023. This year’s program will feature new resources and information on hormones, PCOS, menopause, cervical screening self-collection, heart health, persistent pelvic pain and nutrition. Check out https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/womens-health-week for more information.

Jean Hailes Women’s Health Week will be held from 4 to 8 September 2023. This year’s program will feature new resources and information on hormones, PCOS, menopause, cervical screening self-collection, heart health, persistent pelvic pain and nutrition.

31/08/2023

NBMC is closed today, Friday 1st September.
If you have an emergency please phone 000.
If you require non-urgent medical advice please phone North Coast Health Connect on 1800 198 888.

31/08/2023

Just a reminder that NBMC will be closed tomorrow, Friday 1st September and re-opening on Monday 4th September.

29/08/2023

With the weather warming up and drier weather increasing, preparing your property for potential bush fires is recommended.

The NSW Rural Fire Service offers a service specific to vulnerable residents. The AIDER (Assist Infirm, Disabled and Elderly Residents) program is a free, one-off service which supports some of our most at-risk community members.

The program helps people live more safely and confidently in their home in areas where bush fires may start.

The AIDER program is designed for people who have limited domestic support available from family, relatives, friends or other services. This could include older people, people living with a disability, and people who are already receiving community assistance and services. Their property must also be on bush fire prone land (land that can support a bush fire or be subject to bush fire attack).

AIDER services can include:

clearing gutters
thinning vegetation around the home
removing leaf and tree debris
trimming branches from close to the home
mowing or slashing long grass.

If you would like to know more about the free, one-off AIDER service, call 02 8741 4955 or email aider@rfs.nsw.gov.au or download our fact sheet. You can also fill out the form below:

29/08/2023

21/08/2023

Appointments are now available with Angus Glover, Dietician at North Bellingen Medical Centre.

17/08/2023

North Bellingen Medical Centre will be closed on Friday 1st September and re-opening on Monday 4th September at 9:00am.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

15/08/2023

Only 33% of Australians know 2 or more of the most common signs of stroke. That is a hell of a lot of people not getting to hospital in time for lifesaving treatment.

Every minute a stroke strikes, up to 1.9 million brain cells are attacked. The longer a stroke goes untreated the more damage it does, which can result in death and long-term disability

F.A.S.T. highlights three common stroke indicators: Facial droop, Arms not working, and Slurred speech. The T is a reminder that medical treatment for stroke is time critical.

Please share with your community this Stroke Week

11/08/2023

NBMC is closing early today (Friday 11th August) at 1:30pm. If you have an Emergency please phone 000. If you require non- urgent health advice please phone Health Direct on 1800 022 222

09/08/2023

Attention Patients!
North Bellingen Medical Centre will be closing EARLY this Friday 11th August at 1:30pm.

07/08/2023

DENTAL HEALTH WEEK AUGUST 7-14

Dental Health Week focuses on the importance of taking steps to care for your teeth and gums to help you keep your teeth and smile for life.
This year the focus is on the mouth and whole-body connection. There are links between diseases in the mouth and diseases in the body. Bacteria in the mouth can travel to different sites of the body and inflammation in the mouth can increase the body’s overall inflammation. When was your last dental check up?

03/08/2023

Have you had your annual flu vaccination? Phone Reception now on 6655 1755 - we have same day appointments available.

01/08/2023

Phone Reception to book your appointment on 6655 1755. Or online https://www.hotdoc.com.au/medical-centres/bellingen-NSW-2454/north-bellingen-medical-centre/doctors

27/07/2023

NBMC will be closing EARLY today, Friday 28th July from 1:30pm. We apologise for any inconvenience. If you have an emergency please phone 000.

27/07/2023

In keeping with the high level of preventative care we provide at North Bellingen Medical, the practice provide several nurse-assisted comprehensive health assessments for patients. The 45 -49 year old health check is a free health promotion service covered by Medicare once only between the ages of 45-49 years.

This health check focuses on preventative care, the aim is to detect and prevent chronic disease and enable early intervention. This check will also allow the GP more time to take specific notice of areas which are hard to cover in a normal consultation and provide the opportunity to raise any concerns that you may have about your health. Our practice nurse will perform the assessment and then you will see your regular GP to complete the assessment.

The health check includes;
- Information collection, investigations and examination
- Overall assessment of your health
- Referrals to other providers if required
- Advice and information on lifestyle changes

Phone the practice on 6655 1755 to book your health assessment.

24/07/2023

Today commences the start of National Pain week.
Chronic pain affects over 3.6 million Australians and is the leading cause of disability.

Good pain management should include:
1. Developing personalised and realistic goals
2. Developing a pain management plan that includes team-based care arrangements
3. Improving your knowledge and understanding of chronic pain
4. Supporting your skills and application of self-managing chronic pain
5. Reviewing and modifying your pain management plan

Make an appointment to see your GP for more information.

Following his award winning performance in “Understanding Pain and What to do about it in less than five minutes” Brainman is back in two new films. A team ...

16/07/2023

Beat waiting on hold at 9am and book your appointment online. https://www.hotdoc.com.au/medical-centres/bellingen-NSW-2454/north-bellingen-medical-centre/doctors

14/07/2023

Did you know that 1.7 million Australians suffer from Type 1 and 2 Diabetes? National Diabetes Week is an opportunity to reflect on what choices we could make to lead healthier, happier lives and prevent, or manage, diabetes.
Diabetes is the fastest growing chronic condition in Australia; increasing at a faster rate than other chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. All types of diabetes are increasing in prevalence:

- Type 1 diabetes accounts for 10% of all diabetes and is increasing
- Type 2 diabetes accounts for 85% of all diabetes and is increasing
- Gestational diabetes in pregnancy is increasing

Regular health checks and health assessments can be crucial to prevention and early detection of chronic conditions. Phone Reception on 6655 1755 to book an appointment with your GP.

12/07/2023

Have you had your Flu shot yet? Phone Reception on 66551755 or book online https://www.hotdoc.com.au/medical-centres/bellingen-NSW-2454/north-bellingen-medical-centre/doctors/fluvax-clinic-5

09/07/2023

It is only weeks away until the FUN begins! Sign up for Term 4 Go4Fun to improve your eating habits, overall health, fitness and self-esteem. The program is FREE for children aged 7 to 13 and their families.
Make new friends, set goals and be rewarded when reaching them.
Locations include Coffs Harbour, Kempsey and Port Macquarie!

Enroll by calling 1800 780 900 or register online at www.go4fun.com.au/register

03/07/2023

Did you know If you identify as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person and have a Medicare card, you can get a free health check every year?

This health check is important. It can help identify whether you’re at risk of illnesses or chronic conditions. It’s much easier to prevent these than to treat them, so catching them early can make a big difference.

If you have a chronic condition, your health check can help make sure you are getting the medication and care you need.

You can also ask your doctor about anything you’re worried about or need help with.

03/07/2023

Did you know North Bellingen Medical Centre is now taking new patients? Phone Reception on 6655 1755 to register and book your appointment.

02/07/2023

Today marks the start of NAIDOC week 2023 - a week to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.

Check out events happening in the local area this week.

North Bellingen Medical Centre acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands across our region, and Gumbaynggirr country on which we practice, paying respect to the Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as Australia’s First Peoples and honour the rich diversity of the world’s oldest living cultures.

28/06/2023

Go4Fun is a FREE 10 week healthy lifestyle program for children aged 7 to 13 and their families focusing on healthy eating habits, physical exercise and building confidence.

Register now for term 4 programs at Coffs Harbour, Kempsey and Port Macquarie!
Call 1800 780 900 or register online at www.go4fun.com.au/register

26/06/2023

This Sunday 2nd July.

23/06/2023

Unfortunately we are affected by the current power outage. Our phones are currently down and unsure when they will be back up and running. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. If you have an emergency please phone 000.

19/06/2023

Ask your GP if you are eligible for a GP Management Plan or Team Care Arrangement.

Initial plan consultation is Bulk Billed. Plan reviews are conducted every 3 months and this consult is also Bulk Billed.

13/06/2023

June is Bowel Cancer Awareness month. Bowel cancer claims the lives of 103 Australians every week (5,354 people a year) - but it's one of the most treatable types of cancer when detected early.

While the risk of bowel cancer increases significantly with age, the disease doesn't discriminate, affecting people of all ages.

300 Australians will be diagnosed with bowel cancer this week (15,610 people a year).
Keep and eye on these changes and make an appointment with your GP to discuss any concerns.

11/06/2023

NBMC is closed today, Monday 12th June for the Public Holiday. If you have an Emergency please phone 000. If you require non- urgent health advice please phone Health Direct on 1800 022 222. The practice will re- open tomorrow Tuesday 13th June at 9am.

07/06/2023

North Bellingen Medical Centre will be CLOSED on Monday 12th June due to the Public Holiday. Please ensure you are not due to run out of scripts before the Long Weekend.