PIRIE Medical Centre

23/07/2025

Sciatica is nerve pain arising from the sciatic nerve. It can be produced by pressure on the nerve, where it passes through the buttock. The sciatic nerve is a large nerve, formed from nerve roots that originate from the spinal cord. These nerve roots pass out between the disc spaces and join up to form the sciatic nerve. It passes from the spine into the buttock, then into the back of the thigh and leg.

The sciatic nerve controls sensation and function to the leg and foot. In sciatica, pr*****ed or 'slipped' discs tend to bulge and press on the intervertebral nerve. This pressure irritates the nerve, causing referred pain. Sciatica can be caused by slipped discs, pinched nerves, or some forms of arthritis.

Learn more at Better Health: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/sciatica

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21/07/2025

Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and usually goes away after the baby is born. Around 10% of pregnant women will develop gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes (sometimes referred to as GDM) is diagnosed when higher than normal blood glucose levels appear during pregnancy. It is usually detected around the 24th to 28th week of pregnancy.

Gestational diabetes is managed through eating a healthy diet, maintaining physical activity, and monitoring of your blood glucose levels. Oral medication and/or insulin injections may be needed to lower your blood glucose levels to within a normal range.

After your baby is born, blood glucose levels usually return to normal. However, there is an increased risk for you developing type 2 diabetes in the future.

Read more at Diabetes SA: https://www.diabetessa.com.au/Web/Managing_Your_Diabetes/Newly_Diagnosed/Gestational.aspx

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16/07/2025

One in three people in Port Pirie will need blood during their lives — and without amazing locals like you spreading the word, that blood may not be there at the crucial moment.

Give your donation at the Port Pirie Pop-up Donor Centre between:

11 August to 14 August

Port Pirie Aquatic and Leisure Centre,
55 May Elie Street, Port Pirie SA 5540 🍎

02/07/2025

Gout is a type of arthritis. It occurs when uric acid levels in the blood are unusually high. This can happen when our bodies make too much uric acid, or our kidneys cannot get rid of the uric acid quickly enough.

The excess uric acid forms tiny urate crystals, often inside small joints like the big toes, ankles, fingers or wrists. These crystals irritate the joint causing swelling and pain. This is called a gout flare or attack. Even after the flare settles, if crystals stay in the joint, there is always a risk of future flares.

Read more at Arthritis Australia: https://arthritisaustralia.com.au/types-of-arthritis/gout/

Call us on (08) 8633 2544 or book online through HotDoc to make an appointment https://www.hotdoc.com.au/medical-centres/port-pirie-SA-5540/port-pirie-medical-centre/doctors 🍎

02/07/2025

There’s still time to apply 🍎

WE ARE HIRING 📣

X1 Full-Time Receptionist Position.

Port Pirie Medical Centre are seeking 1 Full-Time Receptionist, who aligns with our values that is focused on providing high-quality experience for our patients, creating a lasting positive and professional impression. You will be responsible for greeting our patients, supporting our doctors and nurse, answering calls, triage and booking appointments, billing and administrative tasks.

You will receive on the job training upon commencement, which includes support from your Practice Manager and colleagues. We ensure that you have the necessary skills and training to provide consistent and quality patient service to ensure your success in the role.

Responsibilities:
- Greet patients and visitors in a friendly and professional manner
- Schedule appointments
- Triage the urgency of appointment
- Manage patient records
- Answer high volume of phone calls and respond to patient enquiries
- Maintain confidentiality
- Processing of Medicare bulk billings and private invoices
- Administrative tasks
- Scanning and allocating incoming correspondence
- Processing referrals
- Recalls
- Accurate data entry and record keeping
- Support the doctors and nurses

Desirable Skills:
- Exceptional customer service skills
- Warm, friendly and professional manner
- Strong Organisational abilities and attention to detail
- Communication Skills
- Ability to multitask and prioritise tasks and an ever changing environment
- Confident computer skills
- Neat and professional presentation
- Previous experience in reception, customer service or administration roles

To apply, please bring in your resume to:
Practice Manager - Kirsten Bourke
Port Pirie Medical Centre
45 Gertrude Street
Port Pirie SA 5540

Or can be emailed to:
Att: Kirsten Bourke
practicemanager@piriemedical.com.au

Applications close: 7th July 2025 🍎

30/06/2025

July is - Dry July!

Dry July is more than just a break from alcohol — it’s a chance to reset your body, refresh your mind, and improve your overall health.

Here’s how going alcohol-free for 31 days can benefit your health:

🛏️ Deeper, More Restful Sleep – Alcohol can disrupt your sleep cycles. Removing it helps you wake up feeling more refreshed.

🧠 Improved Mental Health – Many people report feeling clearer, calmer, and less anxious after even a few alcohol-free weeks.

⚖️ Weight Management – Cutting out alcohol reduces your calorie intake, which can support weight loss goals.

💓 Lower Blood Pressure & Better Heart Health – Giving your heart a break from alcohol can help reduce your risk of heart disease.

🫁 Better Immune Function – Your body can fight off illness more effectively when it’s not processing alcohol.

💪 More Energy & Motivation – Many people feel more productive and focused without the drain of alcohol.

Call us on (08) 8633 2544 or book online through HotDoc to make an appointment https://www.hotdoc.com.au/medical-centres/port-pirie-SA-5540/port-pirie-medical-centre/doctors 🍎

25/06/2025

Prostate cancer develops when abnormal cells in the prostate gland grow in an uncontrolled way, forming a malignant tumour. It is estimated that there were 26,368 cases of prostate cancer diagnosed in 2024. The average age at diagnosis is 70 years old.

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia, and it is estimated that one in six males will be diagnosed by the time they are 85. Early prostate cancer usually does not cause symptoms.

Learn more: https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/prostate-cancer

Call us on (08) 8633 2544 or book online through HotDoc to make an appointment https://www.hotdoc.com.au/medical-centres/port-pirie-SA-5540/port-pirie-medical-centre/doctors 🍎

23/06/2025

Bedwetting happens when your child doesn't wake up during the night when they need to urinate (do a wee). This causes them to wet the bed. Bedwetting is very common. It's also known as 'nocturnal enuresis'.

It's very common for children aged 6 years and under to wet the bed. But older children can wet the bed too, and some children can be affected into their teens. Bedwetting can be upsetting for children, and distressing and frustrating for parents. But it isn't your child's fault; bedwetting has nothing to do with bad behaviour.

Learn more at Health Direct: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/bedwetting-in-older-children

Call us on (08) 8633 2544 or book online through HotDoc to make an appointment https://www.hotdoc.com.au/medical-centres/port-pirie-SA-5540/port-pirie-medical-centre/doctors 🍎

23/06/2025

WE ARE HIRING 📣

X1 Full-Time Receptionist Position.

Port Pirie Medical Centre are seeking 1 Full-Time Receptionist, who aligns with our values that is focused on providing high-quality experience for our patients, creating a lasting positive and professional impression. You will be responsible for greeting our patients, supporting our doctors and nurse, answering calls, triage and booking appointments, billing and administrative tasks.

You will receive on the job training upon commencement, which includes support from your Practice Manager and colleagues. We ensure that you have the necessary skills and training to provide consistent and quality patient service to ensure your success in the role.

Responsibilities:
- Greet patients and visitors in a friendly and professional manner
- Schedule appointments
- Triage the urgency of appointment
- Manage patient records
- Answer high volume of phone calls and respond to patient enquiries
- Maintain confidentiality
- Processing of Medicare bulk billings and private invoices
- Administrative tasks
- Scanning and allocating incoming correspondence
- Processing referrals
- Recalls
- Accurate data entry and record keeping
- Support the doctors and nurses

Desirable Skills:
- Exceptional customer service skills
- Warm, friendly and professional manner
- Strong Organisational abilities and attention to detail
- Communication Skills
- Ability to multitask and prioritise tasks and an ever changing environment
- Confident computer skills
- Neat and professional presentation
- Previous experience in reception, customer service or administration roles

To apply, please bring in your resume to:
Practice Manager - Kirsten Bourke
Port Pirie Medical Centre
45 Gertrude Street
Port Pirie SA 5540

Or can be emailed to:
Att: Kirsten Bourke
practicemanager@piriemedical.com.au

Applications close: 7th July 2025 🍎

18/06/2025

Too much iron in your body can quietly harm important organs like your liver, heart, and pancreas. This is called haemochromatosis.

If it's not treated, it can lead to serious problems like liver disease, heart issues, or diabetes.

The good news is - it’s easy to catch early with a simple blood test.

Talk to your GP and check your iron levels today. Call (08) 8633 2544 to make a booking or schedule an appointment online, through HotDoc

To learn more, visit www.ha.org.au 🍎

16/06/2025

Drinking plenty of water every day is important for good health. Our body relies on it for many of its functions. Water helps to:

• make hormones and neurotransmitters
• moisten eyes, nose and mouth
• regulate body temperature
• protect body organs and tissue
• absorb nutrients
• get rid of waste products
• prevent constipation
• deliver oxygen to all parts of the body
• lubricate joints to help us move
• support the growth and reproduction of cells

Between 50% and 80% of the human body is made of water.

We get about one fifth of the water we need from food, and the rest from drinking fluids. Read more: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/drinking-water-and-your-health 🍎

16/06/2025

ATTENTION 📣

Happy Monday ☕️

For the month of June, we’ll have some of our GP’s away for short periods of time for annual leave.

We encourage you to schedule an appointment in advance, especially if you require regular medication and will require your prescriptions.

Phone consults will be available over the June long weekend 🍎