Castle Hill Medical Centre

10/10/2025

𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀

Mental health is not just personal, it affects every part of our lives. In the workplace, poor mental health can lead to reduced productivity and burnout. At home, it can cause tension in relationships and a sense of isolation. And in schools, mental health struggles can affect a child’s learning, behaviour, and self-esteem.

At Castle Hill Medical Centre, we’re committed to helping our community thrive mentally and emotionally. From mental health care plans to counselling referrals, we provide a supportive, non-judgmental space to speak openly and get the help you need.

You don’t have to go through it alone, your wellbeing matters everywhere you go.
Let’s work together to build mentally healthy spaces at home, at work, and in our schools.

08/10/2025

Dear Patients,
Please see our updated opening hours, effective from Sunday, October 12, 2025.

Thank you for your understanding.

03/10/2025

We are open this public holiday. 9am-5pm.

In case of emergency, please dial 000.

29/09/2025

September 29 is World Heart Day
Your heart works hard for you every day, and now's the time to return the favour.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, but the good news is, many risks can be prevented with early detection or a simple lifestyle change.

Here's where the Healthy Heart Check comes in!

If you are aged over 45 (or over 30 if you are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander), this health check can help identify your risk of heart disease before symptoms appear.
❤️ Blood Pressure
❤️ Cholesterol
❤️ Lifestyle factors
❤️ Personal + family history

Small steps today can protect your heart tomorrow.
Speak with your GP and your next appointment to discuss in more detail if this is the right health check for you.

To learn more, visit https://world-heart-federation.org/world-heart-day/

18/09/2025

This September. let's raise awareness for womens mental health through Liptember.

At CHMC, we are here to support you in every way, not just for your physical health, but mental well-being too.

If you are feeling overwhelmed or struggling, remember you don't have to go through it alone. Your GPs are here to listen, and if you require additional support, we have onsite psychology services available to guide you on your mental health journey.

How to get involved in Liptember:
1.Wear your favourite lipstick this September
2. Share the look with the hashtag
3. If you need more support, speak with your GP - they can connect you to the right resources.

No matter where you are, it's okay to ask for help. Your GP is just a call away, ready to guide you.

Let's raise awareness and break the stigma together.
Book an appointment at https://castlehillmedicalcentre.com.au/book-an-appointment/ or call us at 02 9634 5000

To donate to Liptember, visit https://www.liptember.com.au/donate

15/09/2025

Sepsis is the body's response to an infection injuring its own tissue and organs. It may lead to shock, multi-organ failure and death if not treated properly.

Symptoms include:
✔ Slurred speech or confusion
✔ Extreme shivering, muscle pain or fever
✔ Passing no urine all day
✔ Severe breathlessness
✔ It feels like you're dying
✔ Skin that is discoloured

While sepsis can occur no matter how healthy an individual is, there are some high risk groups that need to be careful.

Children under 1
✔ Adults over 60
✔ People with Chronic Diseases
✔ People with a weak immune system

There are ways to prevent sepsis! The best way is to prevent infection, which can be done by being vaccinated, drinking clean water, practicing proper hand hygeiene and most importantly raising awareness of the condition.

While sepsis is usually confirmed in its early stages, it is cruical to see your healthcare provider if you feel you may be at risk.

Book an appointment with your GP if you feel you may be at risk.
To learn more about sepsis, visit https://www.worldsepsisday.org/sepsis

11/09/2025

𝗥𝗨𝗢𝗞? 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟭.
Today is the day to check in.
Mental health matters and it is important to remember that we all play a role in supporting each other.
RUOK? Day encourages us to ask a simple but powerful question - not just when things seem off, but as part of our daily routines.
Whether its a friend, colleague or family member, show that you care by reaching out and listening.

If you need further mental health support, CHMC has the resources to help. Speak with your GP at your next appointment.

10/09/2025

𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟬 𝗶𝘀 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗦𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝘆
On this important day, we come together to raise awareness about su***de prevention and mental health. It's a reminder that asking the simple question can make a difference in someone’s life. But it’s also important to know that support is available for those who need it.

Did you know you can access free or low-cost mental health support through PMHC and WentWest (Western Sydney Primary Health Network)? If you live in the Western Sydney region, hold a healthcare card, and have a mental health care plan with a GP referral, you may be eligible for:
✔ Up to 12 free sessions if you’re at risk of su***de
✔ Flexible referral options tailored to your needs

Referral types include:
✔ Su***de Prevention: High priority, seen within 72 hours
✔ General & Specialist Support: Including child, perinatal, and First Nations care

If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Speak with your GP at your next appointment to discuss what options are available to you. Remember, you are not alone, support is just a conversation away.

Let’s keep the conversation going and reduce the stigma around mental health. Together, we can save lives.

10/09/2025

September is International Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

This month, we’re raising awareness about prostate cancer and encouraging men to stay proactive with their health.

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
💙Difficulty urinating or weak urine flow
💙Frequent need to urinate, especially at night
💙Blood in urine or semen
💙Pain or discomfort in the lower back, hips, or pelvis

If you notice any of these symptoms, don't hesitate to speak to your GP.

Early screenings can help catch prostate cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages. Let’s break the stigma around men’s health and start the conversation.

Early detection saves lives.

If you have questions or concerns, book an appointment with your GP.

05/09/2025

NSW Health is advising people to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after being notified of a confirmed case who was infectious while visiting several locations in Sydney.

The case recently returned from South-East Asia, where there are ongoing outbreaks of measles in several countries including Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

People who attended the following locations should watch for the development of symptoms. These locations do not pose an ongoing risk.

Wednesday 20 August:
- Coles, East Village Shopping Mall, Zetland from 6.45pm to 7.35pm
- The University of New South Wales Main Library from 11.30am to 2.30pm

Thursday 21 August:
- Bus Route 320 Zetland to Surry Hills from 11am to 12:00pm
- Noffs Op Shop, 332 Crown Street Surry Hills from 11.30am to 1:30 pm
- Storerooms Vintage, 294-296 Crown Street Surry Hills from 11.30am to 1:30pm
- C’s Flashback Recycled Clothing store, 314 Crown Street Surry Hills from 11.30am to 1:30pm
- KFC, 30-34 Chalmers St Surry Hills from 1.00pm to 2.10pm
- Savers, Surry Hills from 1.40pm to 3.10pm

Friday 22 August:
- Coles, East Village Shopping Mall, Zetland from 7.50pm to 8.35pm

Sunday 24 August:
- Bowan Bakery, Zetland from 9.20am to 11.30am
- East Village Shopping Mall Vodafone Store from 11.00am to 11.35am
- East Village Shopping Mall Optus Store from 11.00am to 11.40am
- Green Square Train Station, train from Green Square to Circular Quay from 11.45am to 12.40pm
- Gateway Sydney Foodcourt including Mad Mex and Sammi’s, Circular Quay from 1.00pm to 2.15pm
- Circular Quay Station, train from Circular Quay to Green Square from 3.45pm to 4.30pm

Monday 25 August:
- Maroubra Urgent Care Centre from 1.30pm to 5.00pm
- Maroubra Medical and Dental Centre and Laverty Pathology waiting room, 806/812 Anzac Parade Maroubra between 3.30pm to 4.30pm
- ALDI Supermarket, Pacific Square Maroubra from 4.40pm to 5.35pm
- Bus Route 396 Maroubra to Kensington from 5.15pm to 6.05pm
- Lucky Supermarket, 132 Anzac Parade Kensington from 5.35pm to 6.10pm

Wednesday 27 August:
- Prince of Wales Hospital Emergency Department, Randwick from 6.00am to 12.30pm

Sydney Local Health District Deputy Director of Public Health, Dr Isabel Hess, said anyone who visited the above locations at those times should monitor for symptoms.

“Measles is a vaccine preventable disease that is spread through the air when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes,” Dr Hess said.

“Symptoms to watch out for include fever, runny nose, sore eyes and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head to the rest of the body.

“It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after an exposure, so it's important for people who visited these locations to look out for symptoms up until 15 September.

“If they develop symptoms, they should call ahead to their GP or emergency department to ensure they do not spend time in the waiting room with other patients.

“We want to remind the community to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations. The measles vaccine can prevent the disease even after exposure, if given early enough.

“Anyone born after 1965 needs to ensure they have had two doses of measles vaccine. This is especially important before overseas travel, as measles outbreaks are occurring in several regions of the world at the moment."

The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and effective and is given free for children at 12 and 18 months of age. It is also free in NSW for anyone born after 1965 who hasn't already had two doses.

Children under the age of 12 months can have a dose of MMR from six months of age if they are travelling overseas. Parents should consult their GP.

People who are unsure of whether they have had two doses should get a vaccine, as additional doses are safe. This is particularly important prior to travel. MMR vaccine is available from GPs (all ages) and pharmacies (people over 5 years of age).

For more information on measles, view the measles factsheet: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/Measles_Factsheet.aspx

If you, or a loved one, is experiencing measles symptoms, or have questions about measles, please call your GP or healthdirect on 1800 022 222.

05/09/2025