Devonport Family Medical Centre

02/03/2026

1 in 9 Australians with a uterus live with endometriosis. That's over 1 million people.
And yet, the average diagnosis still takes 6.5 years. Six and a half years of pain being dismissed, minimised, or misunderstood.

Endometriosis is a whole-body disease. Tissue similar to the uterine lining grows in places it shouldn't, causing chronic pain, fatigue, and in some cases, infertility. It shows up differently in every person. There is no cure.

If something feels wrong, trust that. Book an appointment with your GP and start the conversation.

17/02/2026

❤️ Now the festive season is over and the kids are back at school, it's time to start planning your health check ups.

Heart disease is Australia's leading cause of death, yet many people don't realise they're at risk until something serious happens. The good news? A Heart Health Check could help prevent that.

If you're aged 45+ (or 30+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people), you're eligible for a free Heart Health Check under Medicare. This simple 20-minute assessment helps calculate your risk of heart attack or stroke over the next five years — and create a plan to reduce it.
The check looks at your blood pressure, cholesterol, lifestyle, family history, and other key factors. Then the GPs work with you to make realistic, achievable changes that fit your life — whether that's managing medication, adjusting diet, increasing activity, or simply keeping a closer eye on things.

You don't need symptoms to book a Heart Health Check. Prevention is always better than cure, and your heart health is too important to leave to chance.

Book your Heart Health Check today.

12/02/2026

We’re delighted to welcome Dr Helena Ward to the team at Devonport Family Medical Centre!

Dr Ward graduated from James Cook University in Townsville in 2019 and has since worked across multiple clinics in Bundaberg. She has also contributed to medical education as a temporary lecturer at the University of Queensland. Dr Ward is excited to move from Queensland to Tasmania and looks forward to caring for the Devonport community.

Dr Ward has a special interest in women’s health, child and family health, geriatric care, chronic disease management, and gynaecology. She is passionate about providing inclusive, patient-centred care and proudly supports patients from all backgrounds, including LGBTQI+ communities.

Dr Ward is now welcoming new patients. To book an appointment, please contact our friendly reception team on 6422 6200 or book online https://devonportfmc.com.au/

Devonport Family Medical Centre is an accredited general practice. We provide a caring family medical service that is available to everyone. Our practice…

10/02/2026

💜 February is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Ovarian cancer is a silent but serious disease. In Australia, around 1,900 women are diagnosed each year, and it is often detected at a late stage when treatment becomes more difficult.

There is no national screening test for ovarian cancer like there is for cervical or breast cancer, making symptom awareness and clinical assessment crucial.

If you have a family history of ovarian or breast cancer, sudden changes in your health, or persistent symptoms (even if mild), talk to your GP — the GPs are here to listen, assess, and guide you on next steps.

04/02/2026

Today is World Cancer Day. Cancer touches the lives of millions of Australians every year. Whether you're living with cancer, supporting a loved one, or simply trying to stay healthy, your GP is here to walk alongside you.

World Cancer Day reminds us that cancer care isn't just about tests and treatment — it's about people. It's about listening to your concerns, understanding your individual risk factors, and creating a care plan that fits your life.

The GPs take the time to get to know you — your health history, your family background, your worries, and your goals. From discussing prevention and screening options to coordinating specialist care and supporting you through treatment, they're committed to person-centred care every step of the way.

If something doesn't feel right, or if you have questions about cancer screening or prevention, don't hesitate to book in. We're here to listen, support, and help you take control of your health.

30/01/2026

Your 40s can bring new health challenges — but the good news is, catching potential issues early can make all the difference.

If you're aged 45-49, you may be eligible for a Medicare-subsidised health assessment. It's designed to help you identify risk factors for chronic diseases and make lifestyle changes that can set you up for healthier years ahead.

What does it cover?
Your GP will take a comprehensive look at your health, including:
Blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels
Weight, diet, and exercise habits
Family history of chronic conditions
Smoking and alcohol intake
Mental health and wellbeing

They might also assess your risk of developing conditions like cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, or osteoporosis — and discuss practical steps you can take to reduce those risks.

If you're an Australian resident aged 45-49 with at least one risk factor (like family history, high blood pressure, or lifestyle habits), you may qualify for this one-off Medicare rebate.

A little time now could mean a healthier, happier future.

Talk to your GP about booking your 45-49 health assessment today.

22/01/2026

We wish to inform our patients that our clinic will be closed on Monday, 26 January, for the Australia Day public holiday.

For any urgent medical needs during this time, please contact your nearest after-hours service or dial 000 in an emergency.

19/01/2026

As kids get ready to return to school, preschool, kindergarten, or start childcare, now is the perfect time to review their immunisation schedule. Keeping your child’s vaccinations up to date not only protects their health but also ensures your family remains eligible for childcare subsidies and Family Tax Benefit payments.

To assist parents, the National Immunisation Program (NIP) provides free vaccines at specific ages, including:
• 2 months (can be given at 6 weeks)
• 4 months
• 6 months
• 12 months
• 18 months
• 4 years

After age 4, vaccines are typically given through school programs, with catch-up options available from your GP.

Up-to-date immunisations protect against serious diseases like measles, mumps, and polio, keeping your child and the community safe.

To book your child's immunisation appointment, please call the clinic to schedule with a nurse and GP.

13/01/2026

Is it time for your menopause health assessment? Medicare has you covered.

Eligible women can now access a new Medicare rebate for perimenopause and menopause health assessments.

These checks are designed to support women through this important life stage — helping detect and manage health risks like heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis early.

💬 What’s included?
✅ A thorough assessment of your symptoms and health profile
✅ Risk screening and prevention planning
✅ Personalised support to help manage menopause and long-term wellbeing

If you're aged 45+ or experiencing early menopause, this check can make a real difference.

Book an appointment today.

08/01/2026

Had fun in the sun this festive season? Time for a skin check.

Beach days. BBQs. Long afternoons by the pool. Summer in Australia is glorious — but even with sunscreen, UV damage adds up. And the truth is, most skin cancers develop from cumulative sun exposure over time, not just from that one bad sunburn.

Here's what many people don't realise: Sun damage from this summer might not show up for months or even years. That's why regular skin checks matter — they catch changes early, when treatment is most effective.

You should book a skin check if you:
- Spent more time outdoors than usual over the holidays
- Got sunburnt (even mildly)
- Haven't had a check in the past 12 months
- Notice any new spots or changes to existing moles
- Have a history of sun exposure throughout your life

January is one of the busiest months for skin checks — and for good reason. Australians know summer takes its toll.

Don't put it off. An appointment today could protect you for decades to come. Book your skin check now.

06/01/2026

75 or Over? It's Time for Your Annual Health Check

Start the year off right with a comprehensive one-hour check-up designed specifically for your stage of life – at no cost to you.

What is a 75+ Health Assessment?
A thorough assessment with your Practice Nurse covering all aspects of your health and wellbeing. Your GP will join at the end to finalise the assessment and discuss any concerns.

What's Included?
💙 Overall health and wellbeing
🏠 Mobility and home safety
💊 Medications review
😴 Sleep and mental health
💉 Immunisation status
🥗 Nutrition and physical activity
🤝 Home help and social supports

This is YOUR time to discuss what matters most. We'll review your health, provide advice about available services, and answer any questions you have about your care.

All Australians aged 75 years and over are eligible for this annual assessment and they are fully funded by Medicare with no out-of-pocket costs.

Book your annual appointment today.

22/12/2025

We would like to wish our patients and their families a safe and happy festive season. Should you need an appointment over the holiday period, you can find our clinic
opening hours on our website🎄