Westcare Family Medical Centre

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🎄

19/12/2025

💚 Be Kind to Yourself This Festive Season

The holidays can bring joy and celebration, but they can also be challenging. For some, this time of year brings stress, loneliness, or heightened mental health struggles.

It's okay to not feel festive – and it's important to acknowledge how you're really feeling.

Prioritise your mental health and that of those you care for. Small steps can make a real difference:
• Talk to a trusted friend or family member
• Set boundaries around social commitments
• Take time for yourself without guilt
• Reach out for professional support when you need it

If you're finding things difficult, please know that support is available:

• Our GPs are here to listen and help. Book an appointment to talk with one of the doctors.
• For immediate support, visit healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-helplines for a full list of resources.

No matter how you're feeling this season, remember – you don't have to manage it alone.

16/12/2025

As the festive season approaches, please visit our website for clinic opening times.

To ensure you’re well prepared and don’t run out of prescriptions during this break, book in a prescription renewal appointment with your GP today. It's easy to forget the essentials, so take a moment to ensure you have everything you need to stay healthy and stress-free.

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

12/12/2025

How to support your child through the social media ban?

Navigating the changes around social media can be challenging. If your child is feeling frustrated, anxious or uncertain, there are some great supports available to help them adjust and stay connected in healthy ways.

Here are some helpful resources:
🌱 Kids Helpline – Articles, tips and support for children and teens
kidshelpline.com.au

💬 Beyond Blue Forums – Safe spaces for young people and parents to discuss topics like the social media ban and digital wellbeing
forums.beyondblue.org.au

🟣 My Circle (Kids Helpline) – A social platform designed to support mental health in a positive, moderated environment
kidshelpline.com.au/my-circle

📘 Digital Child – Research and guidance on helping young children thrive in a fast-changing digital world
digitalchild.org.au

If your child is struggling or has questions, these tools can help them feel supported, heard and connected.

See your GP if you’re still concerned, as there might be underlying issues that need to be diagnosed and managed medically.

Let’s work together to make this transition a positive one💛

09/12/2025

💊 Taking multiple medications? A Home Medicines Review could help

A government funded, 30-minute at-home service with a qualified pharmacist to ensure your medications are working safely and effectively.

A HMR is a comprehensive review of all your medicines – including prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, vitamins and supplements – conducted in your own home by a qualified pharmacist.
You'll receive a written report with recommendations to share with your doctor.

A HMR reduces the risk of medication side effects, drug interactions, incorrect dosing, and storage issues. The review ensures your medicines are still appropriate, taken correctly, and stored safely.

Is a HMR Right for You?
✅ Take 5 or more medications
✅ Take medicine requiring frequent blood tests
✅ Are worried about side effects
✅ Recently had medications changed after a hospital stay
✅ Struggle to take, remember, or feel confused about your medicines

You'll discuss the findings of the HMR with your GP once they receive the pharmacist's report. Your GP will talk through any recommendations or changes needed. Further review with the pharmacist can be arranged if needed.

HMRs are funded by the Federal Government.

Who is Eligible?
Your doctor will assess whether a HMR is right for you. To be eligible, you must:
• Hold a current Medicare card or DVA card
• Be at risk of, or experiencing, adverse effects from medication
• Not currently be an inpatient at a hospital or resident of an aged care facility

Speak with your GP today to find out if a Home Medicines Review is suitable for you.

Your medicines should help you feel better, not add confusion or concern. Let us help you get the most from your treatment.

04/12/2025

🎄 Festive Season Medication Reminder

Don't get caught short over the holidays!

With our practice having reduced hours over Christmas and New Year, now's the time to check your medication supplies.

Quick Checklist:
• Check how much medication you have left
• Make sure you have enough for the entire holiday period
• Request your repeats NOW – don't wait until the last minute
• Travelling? Pack extra medication just in case

Plan ahead now so you can relax and enjoy the festive season! Book an appointment with your GP now.

01/12/2025

❤️ Is Your Heart Health on Your To-Do List?

Heart disease is Australia's leading cause of death – but many heart attacks and strokes can be prevented.

What is a Heart Health Check?
A Heart Health Check is a simple 20-minute appointment with your GP that could save your life. It helps you understand your risk of having a heart attack or stroke in the next 5 years – and what you can do about it.

Who should get one?
✅ All Australians aged 45-79 years
✅ People with diabetes from age 35
✅ First Nations peoples from age 30

What happens during your check?
Your GP or nurse will:
1. Discuss your health history, lifestyle, and family background
2. Check your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels
3. Assess your risk using a validated calculator
4. Plan personalised steps to protect your heart – including lifestyle changes, referrals, or medicines if needed

Your results show your risk level:
• Low risk (less than 5%)
• Intermediate risk (5-10%)
• High risk (10% or more)

Many people don't realise they're at risk because conditions like high blood pressure and cholesterol often have no symptoms.

The Good News? Heart Health Checks are covered by Medicare for eligible individuals at higher risk. To learn more, watch this very informative video from the Heart Foundation

A Heart Health Check is a regular checkup performed by your doctor. A Heart Health Check helps you to understand your risk factors for heart disease and esti...

24/11/2025

If you’re planning to travel this holiday season, make sure your health is on the packing list too. Different destinations can expose you to illnesses that aren’t common in Australia, and some countries even require proof of certain vaccinations for entry.

Your GP can advise you on the vaccines and travel health precautions recommended for your destination — including protection against diseases such as hepatitis, typhoid, yellow fever, and more.

Because some vaccines need time to take effect, it’s best to book your travel health appointment at least 4–6 weeks before you depart.

During your visit, your GP can also discuss medications for malaria prevention, traveller’s diarrhoea, and motion sickness, along with general health and safety tips for your trip.

Plan ahead so you can enjoy your travels with peace of mind and good health!

19/11/2025

Did you know that Pap smears are a thing of the past?

It's been replaced by the Cervical Screening Tests which detect human papillomavirus (HPV) before it has the chance to make changes that are abnormal or cancerous to the cells in your cervix.

You should have a Cervical Screening Test every five years if you’re aged between 25-74 years and have ever had any type of s*xual contact with someone.

Young people who have HPV normally clear it on their own, so it’s safe to wait until you turn 25 to have your first Cervical Screening Test. Because cervical screening is so much more effective than the old Pap smear test, it's also safe to wait 5 years between screens.

However, if you show symptoms of abnormal vaginal bleeding, pain during s*x or unusual discharge, you should discuss this with your doctor immediately.

• Regular screening saves lives: Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, and regular screening is the best way to protect against it.
• Self-collection is an option: Individuals can choose to collect their own sample using a simple swab, offering greater comfort and privacy.
• Inclusivity: The program is inclusive of all individuals with a cervix, regardless of gender identity.
• HPV vaccination does not replace screening: Even if vaccinated, individuals should continue regular screening as the vaccine does not protect against all HPV types.

Take control of your health – book your cervical screening appointment with your GP today!

18/11/2025

Today we recognise International Men’s Day and this year’s theme: “Supporting Men and Boys.”

Men and boys face a range of social and health challenges - from school pressures and workplace stress to mental health concerns and chronic health conditions. International Men’s Day is a powerful reminder to check in, reach out and take action to support the wellbeing of the men and boys in our lives.

We’re committed to helping men and boys stay healthy at every stage of life. A regular visit to your GP is one of the simplest and most effective ways to stay on top of your health. Whether it’s a routine check-up, a mental health conversation, or a screening you’ve been putting off, the GPs are here to support you.

Book an appointment with your GP today.

17/11/2025

Did you know that during daily activities, such as walking the dog, gardening or hanging out the washing, you can get caught off guard by UV radiation you're not conscious of?⏰

This , we’re encouraging all Australians to protect their skin from UV exposure and make sun protection a daily habit to reduce the risk of developing skin cancer.

Early detection saves lives. If something looks different, trust your instinct and get it checked. A quick visit to your GP could make all the difference.

Book your skin check today.

11/11/2025

Today we honour the bravery and sacrifice of those who served.

Their service will never be forgotten.

Lest we forget.