Orbost Regional Health

09/01/2026

A huge thank you to Dr. Brown for a fantastic first week back on-site for 2026! It’s been a great start to the year. We are already looking forward to the next round of on-site consultations from Tuesday, Jan 27th – Friday, Jan 30th.

In the meantime, Dr Brown has available telehealth appointments while she works off-site. Please call the clinic or head over to the HotDoc app to secure your appointment. Dr Brown is seeing many of her telehealth appointments via video consultations rather than over the telephone. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive from those using the video consultations. For patients with existing telehealth appointments, please use the link below to enter the video telehealth waiting room.

https://vcc.healthdirect.org.au/t/orbostmedicalclinic/join

For your convenience, the video telehealth link is also available on at the top of the Orbost Regional Health website - “Start Telehealth”

08/01/2026

Extreme heat across Orbost and East Gippsland

With very high temperatures continuing across our region, extreme heat can be dangerous, especially for older people, young children, those living with ongoing health conditions and vulnerable members of our community.

Several hot days in a row, particularly when nights stay warm, can make it harder for our bodies to cool down. If you start to feel unwell or notice signs of heat-related illness, please seek medical advice.
Take steps to stay safe by:

• Keep cool by using air conditioning or fans and staying indoors where you can
• Plan ahead if you need to be out in the heat, including where you’ll go to cool down
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty
• Wear light, loose clothing and use cool water on your skin
• Check in on family, friends and neighbours, especially those who may need extra support
• Stay informed by downloading the VicEmergency app
• Listen to the local radio to stay up-to-date with emergency information.

Let’s look out for one another and take care in the heat.

07/01/2026

Support National Blood Donor Month

January is National Blood Donor Month, a tradition started in 1970 to combat seasonal donation shortages. One donation can save up to three lives, supporting cancer patients and emergency surgeries in our community.

Nearest Donation Locations:
• Traralgon: Permanent Centre
• Sale: Mobile Centre (Greyhound Club)
• Bairnsdale: Mobile Centre (Bunnings)

Bookings Essential: Visit lifeblood.com.au, use the DonateBlood app, or call 13 14 95.

22/12/2025

'Tis the Season to Stay Healthy

Great news, Orbost! As the festive rush begins, we want to let you know that the Orbost Medical Clinic is fully operational for most of the Christmas week! You can rely on us right up until Christmas Eve, so you can focus on wrapping presents and enjoying the holiday cheer! We are also open leading up to New Years Eve.

Here’s our quick holiday schedule:

• Monday, Dec 22nd & Tuesday, Dec 23rd: Business as usual! We'll be here from 8:30 am - 5:00 pm.
• Christmas Eve (Wednesday, Dec 24th): We're closing a little early so our team can dash home to help Santa! We'll be open 8:30 am - 3:00 pm.
• Christmas Day & Boxing Day: Closed. (We'll be busy eating all the pudding and enjoying the break!)
• Monday, Dec 29th & Tuesday, Dec 30th: Normal hours, we will be here from 8:30 am - 5:00 pm.
• New Years Eve: 8:30 am - 3:00 pm
• New Years Day: Closed.

Wishing all of you the happiest and safest Christmas and New Year! 🎄 We hope your holidays are incredibly merry and bright!

Question for you: What's the first Christmas treat you look forward to eating every year? Let us know in the comments! 👇

16/12/2025

Extreme heat is forecast in Victoria for tomorrow.
Please refer to below advice from the Department of Health to stay safe

08/12/2025

Some exciting opportunity have become available within our Ward Clerk team to cover periods of leave. To learn more please check out the link below ⬇️

Orbost Regional Health is seeking applications from enthusiastic and committed individuals to join our Administration team. The Ward Clerk will provide administrative support to the clinical staff for acute, aged care and Urgent Care Department presentations; together with ward clerk duties as requi...

07/12/2025

The Orbost Medical Clinic is partnering with Bloom Hearing to explore the establishment of regular, local Audiology Assessment services. We are seeking expressions of interest from residents who require these services to accurately gauge community demand. A strong response will be crucial in determining the appropriate schedule and frequency, ensuring that we can effectively bring essential audiological care directly to the Orbost community.

“At Bloom Hearing Specialists, we believe that everyone deserves to live a life filled with vibrant sound and meaningful connections. From hearing assessments, hearing aid solutions, and accessories, to tinnitus support and even earwax removal, we offer a full range of services tailored to your unique hearing and lifestyle needs”

Please call 5154 6777 to be put on the waitlist.

04/12/2025

Dr Roisin Kinsella (Dr Ro) studied Medicine at Monash University in Melbourne, graduating in 2010 then moved to Geelong where she completed three years of residency at Geelong hospital.

She then moved to Alice Springs to work in obstetrics and gynaecology before moving back to her native East Gippsland to complete her training in Rural General Practice with the RACGP.

We are very excited to announce: Dr Ro has now taken on new permanent hours at Orbost Medical Clinic – every Monday and Tuesday starting on the 5th of January.

To make a booking go to HotDoc or call 5154 6777
https://www.hotdoc.com.au/medical-centres/orbost-VIC-3888/orbost-medical-clinic/doctors

02/12/2025

Q-fever Testing and Vaccination

Orbost Medical Clinic with the support of Gipps Dairy are offering another Q-fever vaccination clinic.

Q fever is an infection spread to humans from animals, mainly cattle, sheep and goats. It can cause a severe influenza-like illness and long-term health problems. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent Q fever infection and is recommended for those who work, live in or visit high-risk environments.

About Q fever Vaccination: Q fever is a safe inactivated vaccine, with similar rates of allergy/skin irritation to other vaccinations. However, if it is administered to someone who has previously had Q fever it can cause severe side effects. To avoid this every patient will undergo pre-vaccination screening with a blood and skin test.

Cost of Vaccination: Due to Gipps Dairy’s support we can offer free vaccinations to the first 10 to book appointments.

How do I get Vaccinated?
Two appointments are required, the second booked exactly ONE WEEK later.
1. First appointment: Your doctor will assess your risk of Q fever, ensure it is appropriate for you and arrange a blood test. Blood collection must occur BEFORE the skin test is administered. Skin testing is where a tiny dose of the vaccine is administered to your forearm.
2. Second appointment: Exactly 1 week later your skin test will be reviewed. If the test is negative (no skin lump), and your blood test normal then the Q fever vaccination can be administered.

First Appointment Date: Wednesday 10th December 2025
Second Appointment Date: Wednesday 17th December 2025
Call the Orbost Medical Clinic to make your appointments 51546777

01/12/2025

30/11/2025

Recognising the challenges faced by patients in rural and regional areas, the availability of Spirometry Testing directly at the Orbost Medical Clinic significantly enhances your local access to specialised respiratory care.

We utilise modern, precise equipment and have trained our clinical staff to deliver this key diagnostic procedure accurately. This local offering saves you time and travel expenses, ensuring that you can receive timely lung function testing and management advice right here in Orbost, fostering a more connected and efficient healthcare experience.