Ochre Medical Centre Lithgow

16/07/2025

It’s National Diabetes Week (13–19 July), and this year’s message is clear: prevention matters at every stage.

Whether it’s lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes or helping people with diabetes avoid complications, early action makes a big difference.

Take the time to talk to your GP about risk checks, regular screenings, and support options. Let’s take steps toward a healthier future.

09/07/2025

It’s NAIDOC Week and we are celebrating with our First Nations team members, patients and communities their rich history, diverse cultures and many achievements. Ochre has been very involved with First Nations communities since we were founded in Bourke over 20 years ago. Today, through our medical centres, we provide care to over 12,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients, through our recruitment teams we place locum doctors into Aboriginal Medical Services and other health facilities caring for First Nations communities around the country, and we are proud ongoing sponsors of the Australian Federation of Medical Women “Purple Bush Leaves Medicine Bursaries” which provide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women with financial support to further their medical careers. After some wonderful NAIDOC events last year, including at our Oakey practice in Queensland (main picture), our program this year culminates with our Walgett practice in Western NSW which on Friday will be hosting a community celebration in partnership with the Western NSW Local Health District. This is open to everybody in the area and will including a smoking ceremony, a welcome to country and dancing.

08/07/2025

We were proud to host Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Federal Minister Julie Collins MP, Tasmanian Opposition Leader Dean Winter MP, Member for Clark Ella Haddad MP, and members of their teams this morning at the Ochre Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (UCC) we operate in Hobart. The visit included discussion around plans for more UCCs in Tasmania and future funding models for healthcare. The Ochre Medicare UCC is co-located with our Ochre Medical Centre, as well as Capital Chemist, BodyTech Physio and Trusted Smiles Dental, in a Health Hub facility on the corner of Liverpool and Barrack Streets in the Hobart CBD.

03/07/2025

SCAM ALERT - texts claiming to be from HotDoc offering a refund.

We have been made aware of scam text messages impersonating HotDoc being received by patients claiming they are owed a refund and asking them to click a link.

These messages are not legitimate and we advise people not click any links or provide any personal information. If you receive a suspicious message like this relating to a refund, delete it and report it to help@hotdoc.com.au.

If you are a patient and you are ever unsure about a message you receive from us or HotDoc, please contact your clinic directly.

17/06/2025

Today is Bowel Cancer Australia's Red Apple Day (18th of June 2025).

Bowel cancer is one of Australia’s most common cancers - but it’s also one of the most treatable when caught early.

At Ochre, we’re proud to support Bowel Cancer Australia and raise awareness about the importance of early detection, regular screening, and open conversations.

Find out more or donate:
https://www.bowelcanceraustralia.org/red-apple-day

16/06/2025

Introducing Dr Naomi McIlvenny who will be joining the practice from the 16th of June until the 11th of July. Dr Naomi is available for appointments including skin checks and skin excisions if required. She is looking forward to working at Ochre Lithgow Medical Centre.

05/06/2025

Today is Crazy Socks 4 Docs Day – highlighting the importance of the mental health of doctors and all team members across the healthcare sector. A big shoutout to everybody for your amazing resilience, dedication and patient care!

https://www.crazysocks4docs.com.au/

18/05/2025

Today is World Family Doctor Day! Established by WONCA (the World Organization of Family Doctors) to highlight the contribution of GPs to health care systems around the world, this is an excellent opportunity to recognise the wonderful care and leadership provided by doctors across the profession. The Ochre Health Group is honoured to support nearly 500 of those doctors across our 68 medical centres and urgent care clinics around the country in providing nearly 2 million consultations to their patients every year. A big thanks to all of you!

13/05/2025

Today is International Receptionists Day and we’d like to give a big shoutout to the hundreds of receptionists and other support team members across our network of 68 practices and urgent care clinics. Your care, diligence, commitment and teamwork are very much appreciated!

11/05/2025

Today is International Nurses Day, celebrated on the birthday of Florence Nightingale, founder of professional nursing. This year’s theme is “Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for nurses strengthens economies.”, highlighting that a well-supported and healthy nursing workforce plays a key role, not only in improving health systems and ensuring better outcomes for communities, but also in strengthening economies. Ochre has over 250 highly skilled and passionate nurses across our 68 medical centres and urgent care clinics around the country, each providing wonderful support to doctors and their patients. A big thanks to all of you!

06/05/2025

It’s Heart Week, shining a light on heart health around the country.

An Australian suffers a heart attack or stroke every 4 minutes, but heart disease is largely preventable.

We are encouraging everybody “not to miss a beat” in talking to your GP about any risk and your eligibility for a Heart Health Check, as well as getting your blood pressure checked.

A simple conversation could make a life-saving difference!

Book your appointment today at Ochre Health.

Never miss a beat – talk to your doctor today about your risk and your eligibility for a Heart Health Check. An Australian experiences a heart attack or stroke every 4 minutes! Over 2.5 million Australians are officially classified as having a high risk of a heart attack or stroke in the next five...

17/04/2025

Extended video telehealth available Australia-wide this Easter holidays!

To help you stay well this long weekend, Ochre Health is offering extended video telehealth consultations from 9am to 11pm daily, from Good Friday through to Easter Monday.

Whether you’re at home or away, you can connect with a qualified GP for trusted care—when you need it most.

Book online at the link below, or via the Ochre app.

Ochre Anytime provides access to after-hours GP appointments, connecting patients with experienced doctors via virtual consultations for ACT, NSW and QLD.

30/03/2025

We held the Ochre version of the Oscars on Saturday night with our annual Ochre Way National Excellence Awards gala dinner at the InterContinental Hotel Double Bay in Sydney. All of the regional winners of Ochre Way Awards from around the country were invited for a two night escape with their partner or guest that included an activities program featuring the best of the Harbour City, leading up to a memorable evening of delicious food, socialising, live music and prize-giving. Many congratulations to all of the winners…

National Support Team Member of the Year - Marnie Hayes, Scottsdale, TAS

National Practice Manager of the Year - Peter Bradley, Kippax, ACT

Most Innovative Medical Centre - Ochre Medical Centre & Urgent Care Clinic Sippy Downs, QLD

National Nurse of the Year – Ben Jol, Casey ACT

Medical Centre with the Best Health Outcomes - Ochre Medical Centre Smith Street Tamworth, NSW

National GP Supervisor of the Year - Dr Ann Ellacott, Thirroul, NSW

Dennis Pashen National Doctors of the Year - Dr Rebecca Molyneux, Lightning Ridge, NSW and Dr Damian Webb, Oakey & Kingsthorpe, QLD

Founders Award – Dr Yash Charak, Walgett, NSW

They, and all of our other regional award-winning “nominees”, may not be Hollywood celebrities, but they are truly stars in their own communities and across the Ochre network!

27/03/2025

We are delighted to celebrate our 10th anniversary on Sunday having opened our doors as an Ochre clinic on 30th March 2015! We have specialised in providing quality rural care and friendly service to 2,000 patients across the local community which, over the last year, has translated into more than 16,000 consultations. Our highlights of the last ten years have included winning an Ochre Award for Most Improved Health Outcomes, establishing popular flu vaccination clinics and Bone Bus programs and delivering thousands of skin checks, medical procedures, work medicals and Chronic Disease Management consultations to a wide variety of patients. We have also been proud to train scores of medical students from the Clinical School of Notre Dame Australia University which was set up by our former owner, GP and Ochre Doctor of the Year award-winner, Professor John Dearin. A big thanks to all of our patients for your ongoing support, and congratulations to doctors and team members, past and present!

08/01/2025

Doctor appointments at your fingertips, when you need them most.
Ochre Anytime offers access to trusted local doctors after hours, at a time and place that suits you.

Operating hours: 6pm-11pm Monday to Friday and various times on weekends

• Seamless quality video consultations
• Access to your health records for your consultation if you are an existing patient
• Rebates available for people who are eligible

Ochre Anytime provides access to after-hours GP appointments, connecting patients with experienced doctors via virtual consultations for ACT, NSW and QLD.

02/10/2024

WELCOME TO OCHRE LITHGOW
JAMES CRESSWELL - PODIATRIST

Special Interest Areas:
● Forefoot pain
● Heel pain
● Cracked heels (deep heel
fissures)
● Diabetic foot care and
assessment
● Orthotic therapy for
musculoskeletal disorders of the
foot and leg
● Ingrown toenails

🔸James Cresswell is an accomplished podiatrist with nearly two decades of experience, having provided exceptional podiatric care across the Hawkesbury, Blue Mountains, and Lithgow areas. James graduated with honours from the University of Western Sydney's podiatry program in 2006.

🔸James is returning to Ochre Medical Centre Lithgow with renewed enthusiasm and
commitment to the community. In his time away, he established Progress Podiatry, a business that has thrived under his dedicated care and innovative approach.

🔸He looks forward to reconnecting with old patients and welcoming new ones.

🔸James ensures that everyone receives a personalised treatment plan suited to their specific needs. Whether addressing routine issues:-
▪️ like corns,
▪️calluses,
▪️nail problems,
▪️or more complex biomechanical and neurological conditions

🔸James aims to improve the quality of life for each of his patients, helping them stay active and healthy.

🔷Please book online or call reception on 02 6352 5685 to make your appointment with James today🔷

08/07/2024

🔆Welcome Dr Vikki Albino to Ochre Lithgow

Dr Vikki Albino has extensive hospital training across the Central Coast and Western Sydney. She now lives in Lithgow on a permanent basis.

Dr Vikki realized that building therapeutic relationships and continuity of care in general practice was the most rewarding way to be a doctor and where should could best be of service to the community.

She has special interest in chronic disease management, care of the elderly, women’s health, children’s health, mental health and dermatology. She is highly experienced with holistic chronic pain management and has a special interest in endometriosis and PCOS .

Outside of her practice, she enjoys bushwalking and hanging out with her golden retriever and 2 cats.

Please book today online or call reception on 02 6352 5685 🔆

19/06/2024

🔆Welcome to Dr Gayanee Kumarasinghe as a GP Registrar at Ochre Lithgow!🔆

Specialty interest areas

· Women’s health
· Mental Health
· Counselling
· Family medicine

*️⃣Dr Gayanee Kumarasinghe is a highly experienced female GP with over 16 years of combined experience in various fields of medicine. Graduating in 2003, Dr Kumarasinghe began her career in Sri Lanka, where she gained expertise in women’s health, child medical and surgical health, and neurosurgery. In the final eight years of her practice in Sri Lanka, she focused on working in an outpatient department, which allowed her to hone her skills in providing patient-centred care.

*️⃣Dr Kumarasinghe relocated to Australia and commenced her medical career here. She has been living in Deniliquin for more than two years, where she has gained an in-depth understanding of the community’s medical needs.

*️⃣Dr Kumarasinghe has recently relocated to the Central west area and is committed to providing personalized and comprehensive care to her patients and has a special interest in women’s health, child health, and family medicine. Dr Kumarasinghe believes that a balanced lifestyle is crucial to maintaining good health and wellbeing, and she strives to set a good example for her patients by practicing what she preaches.

*️⃣In her free time, Dr Kumarasinghe enjoys singing, playing the English Mandolin, and spending quality time with her family.

🔅Please book online or call reception on 02 6352 5685🔅

02/02/2024

WELCOME TO OCHRE LITHGOW DR JORDAN COLLESS !

Welcome to Dr Jordan Colless as a full-time GP Registrar at Ochre Lithgow!

Dr Jordan Colless is locally trained, having graduated from Sydney University in 2020. His family was previously lived in Lithgow over several generations, and he has fond memories of our town and the Central West region from his childhood.

He is mature minded and highly educated, having also previously completed studies in law and international studies at the University of Queensland and working overseas. He completed his postgraduate medical training years at Westmead Hospital including The Children’s Hospital.

He enjoys all aspects of general practice.

He will be offering Mixed Billing which means that bulk-billing may be available in some cases for pensioners, healthcare card holders and children under 16.

Please book online or call reception on 02 6352 5685.

26/12/2023

*** APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE WED-FRI THIS WEEK ***

In order to better serve our community, the doctors at Ochre Medical Centre Lithgow have extended their availability this week.

Please book via our website or call reception on 6352 5685

Ochre Health Medical Centre Lithgow is a mixed-billing general practice with a range of highly experienced male and female GPs available.

19/12/2023

18/12/2023

Our new GP, Dr Ben Hanson, studied at Sydney Uni and is a Lithgow local having lived in the community for over 20 years. He provides patients with quality care, taking the time to listen and look at the bigger picture with the aim of preventing major issues or catching them early. He covers all areas of GP practice, with specific interest in men’s health and mental health, as well as preventative medicine. Like Professor John Dearin before him, he will also be focusing on training the next generation of doctors.

To book with Dr Hanson, click the link below or call us on 6352 5685.

Find the best Ochre Medical Centre Lithgow doctor for you - filter by gender, services or languages spoken to find a match

11/12/2023

*Keep cool, stay hydrated*

​​​​​​​​​​​​Hot weather can cause serious health problems, especially for older people, people with existing medical conditions, babies and young children, outdoor workers, socially isolated people, people who are homeless and pregnant women.

Before, during and after a period of hot weather it’s important that you keep cool and stay hydrated by drinking water.

Keep cool:-

During hot weather it’s extremely important to keep cool to prevent yourself from becoming unwell.

Tips for keeping cool:-

Use air-conditioning if available to maintain a comfortable temperature indoors. Use electric fans if air-conditioning is not available. At extremely high temperatures (around 39 degrees and above), fans can be less effective at keeping someone cool.
Wear light, loose-fitting clothes.
Avoid being outdoors in the hottest part of the day as much as possible. If you have to go outside, seek shade or shelter.
Close curtains and blinds to block out the sun.
Spend time in the coolest area of your home.
Limit physical activity, for example household chores or exercise, to early in the morning when it is coolest.
Use stoves and ovens as little as possible as these can heat up the home.
Wet your skin with cool water using a spray bottle or a damp sponge or cloth.
Place cool packs or crushed ice in a damp towel loosely over your neck and shoulders.
Take cool showers or baths, or sit for a while with your feet in cool water.
Seek out cool places or air conditioned public facilities in your local area, if you can safely travel without getting too hot.
When it becomes cooler outside, open your windows and doors to allow warm air out and let the cool air in.
When outdoors, protect yourself from the sun by applying sunscreen and wearing sun-protective clothing, sunglasses and a wide brim hat.

Stay hydrated:-

During hot weather it’s important to stay hydrated.

Drink plenty of water regularly even if you don’t feel thirsty: If your doctor has asked that you limit your fluid intake, ask how much water you should drink during hot weather.
Do not replace your water intake with alcoholic or sugary drinks.
Carry water with you if you will spend time outdoors.

18/10/2022

Please note that patients who need to visit our treatment room may be charged a fee for the services they receive in addition to their consultation fee. This fee covers the care provided by our nurses, including dressings, wound care and other procedures. You will be informed of any fee in advance.