Westcare Family Medical Centre

23/03/2026

Lung cancer screening saves lives.

If you’re aged 50–70 and have a history of smoking, you may be eligible for the free National Lung Cancer Screening Program.

Screening can detect lung cancer early, when treatment is more effective.

Book an appointment with your GP online westcare.net.au or call 9747 5800 to see if you are eligible.
Learn more: https://bit.ly/4s8D5TV

19/03/2026

March 19 is National Close the Gap Day.

This year's theme: Agency, Leadership, Reform — ensuring the survival, dignity and wellbeing of First Nations peoples.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians still face a life expectancy gap of around eight years compared to non-Indigenous Australians. Closing that gap starts with access to the right care at the right time.

The 715 Health Check is a free, comprehensive health assessment available to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of any age, every 9 to 12 months. It covers physical, mental, and social wellbeing, and opens the door to additional bulk-billed allied health services, follow-up care, and chronic disease management.
Right now, only about 30% of eligible people are getting their health check. That number needs to change.

If you or a family member are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, contact your local GP or Aboriginal Medical Service and ask about booking a 715 Health Check. It takes under an hour and is government funded.

18/03/2026

This week is Neurodiversity Celebration Week.

GPs are currently having more conversations about neurodiversity than ever. And that's a good thing.

ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, Tourette syndrome. These conditions show up differently in every person. Sometimes they present as difficulty concentrating. Sometimes it's sensory overwhelm, social exhaustion, or struggles with organisation that have been there for as long as someone can remember.

For many adults, these conditions weren't picked up as children. The signs were there, but they didn't fit the stereotype. They found ways to cope, to mask, to push through. Years later, something prompts the question.

That question is always worth asking.

If you've been wondering whether your brain works a little differently, talk to your GP. A conversation is the first step toward understanding, support, and the right plan for you.

16/03/2026

This week is Multiple Birth Awareness Week. The 2026 theme: Make It A Good Start.

Families with twins, triplets, and more must navigate a journey that comes with unique challenges from day one. Higher rates of premature birth, greater mental health risks for parents, severe exhaustion, and financial pressures that are often underestimated.

Around 4,200 multiple births happen in Australia every year. Only 11% of parents of multiples feel adequately supported by the programs and policies in place.

A good start means early conversations with your GP or midwife, connecting with your local multiple birth club through the Australian Multiple Birth Association, and knowing that asking for help is part of the plan.

If you're expecting or raising multiples, talk to your GP. Ther're here to support you through every stage.

13/03/2026

This World Sleep Day, the theme is Sleep Well, Live Better.

Sleep affects everything. Mood, concentration, immune function, chronic pain, weight, mental health. When sleep suffers, the body follows.

Nearly half of all Australian adults report at least two sleep-related problems. Many don't raise it in a consultation because they've accepted poor sleep as normal.

It's not. And it's worth talking about.

A consistent sleep schedule, limiting screens before bed, and managing stress are a good place to start. But if you've been struggling for a while, bring it up at your next appointment. Sleep is just as important as diet and exercise.

Your GP is a good first step.

08/03/2026

🌸 International Women’s Day 2026 – Give To Gain 🌸

This year’s International Women's Day theme is Give To Gain — a powerful reminder that when we give, we all gain.

When women thrive, we all rise.

At our clinic, we see every day how supporting women’s health creates a ripple effect across families and communities. Giving can take many forms — time, knowledge, advocacy, respect, visibility, mentoring, and care. And one of the most important ways women can give to themselves and those they love is by prioritising their own health.

💗 Give time to your health – Book your check-ups and preventative screenings.
💗 Give knowledge – Share health information with the women in your life.
💗 Give support – Encourage friends, mothers, daughters, sisters and colleagues to see their GP.
💗 Give visibility – Talk openly about women’s health issues and challenge stigma.

When women attend regular health checks — from cervical screening and breast checks to heart health, mental health, and chronic disease management — they are not just caring for themselves. They are strengthening their families, workplaces and communities.

Together, let’s make this one of the biggest giving days of the year — supporting women, supporting women’s health, and supporting those who champion equality every day.
Because when we give from the heart, we gain a stronger, healthier future for all 💜

04/03/2026

We wish to inform our patients that the clinic will be closed on Monday, 9th March, for the public holiday.

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

We hope you enjoy a safe and restful day.

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.

24/02/2026

We’re excited to welcome **Dr Tahira Saeed** to our practice! 🌿

Dr Tahira is passionate about all areas of general practice, with special interests in weight management, addiction medicine, mental health, women’s health and preventative care. She is committed to providing personalised, holistic care to support long-term health outcomes.

Dr Tahira speaks English, Urdu, Punjabi and Hindi and warmly welcomes new patients.

Book your appointment today online westcare.net.au or call 9747 5800

Westcare Family Medical Centre has provided outstanding medical care in Melton since 1989. The health and wellbeing of our community has always been our greatest priority.

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.

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.