Tallowwood Health

23/09/2025

Last Friday, our Directors Dr David Lockart and Dr Matthew Chan, along with our Practice Manager Bek Hooley, attended the Business Improvement Program in Forster, supported by the Hunter New England Central Coast Primary Health Network.

The program, part of the 2025 Sustainability and Viability Initiative (SAVI), was delivered in partnership with Momentum Business Improvement Specialists. Coaches David and Harry led a practical and insightful session designed to help General Practice leaders build stronger, more sustainable, and future-ready practices.

With a focus on leadership, time management, business structure, financial planning, and patient engagement, the program provides a clear and strategic framework to help teams improve operations, reduce stress, and create lasting impact.

It was a great opportunity to reflect, refocus, and walk away with actionable ideas we're looking forward to putting into practice here at Tallowwood Health, for the benefit of both our patients and our team.

10/09/2025

Today is R U OK? Day 💛

Today is a reminder that checking in with someone could make a real difference. At Tallowwood Health, we’re encouraging everyone to check in with the people around them, not just today, but whenever something doesn’t feel quite right.

We see how important mental health is every day. A small question, can mean the world to someone who’s struggling.

Let’s keep looking out for each other, everyday.

08/09/2025

✨ Welcome to our team, Dr Archibald! ✨

Dr Archibald grew up near Scone and graduated from the University of Newcastle in 2020. She undertook her internship and residency in the Hunter New England area, including time spent at Tamworth Hospital. Juliet enjoys all aspects of General Practice, with a particular interest in preventative and women’s health, alongside a genuine commitment to supporting the healthcare needs of rural communities.

🩺 Consulting days: Monday to Wednesday
🗓️ Appointments can be booked via HotDoc

18/08/2025

💚 Our Tallowwood Health family is standing beside one of our own during an incredibly difficult time. Right now, one of our team members’ sons is bravely fighting brain cancer, and their family is showing incredible courage in the face of this challenge.

As they walk through every parent’s worst nightmare, a GoFundMe has been created to help ease some of the burden. If you feel able to contribute or share, your kindness will make a difference. Even in the hardest moments, there’s comfort in knowing so many are standing beside them, surrounding them with the quiet strength of our community and reminding them they’re not walking this road alone.

👉

Hi, my name is Ash — Cam’s Aunty “Che-Che.” Our hearts are breaking as we … Ashleigh Lawrence needs your support for Cam’s Courage - Fighting Brain Cancer

14/08/2025

We’re excited to share that Tallowwood Health is a finalist in this year’s Tamworth Business Chamber Quality Business Awards for Excellence in Customer Service in Health Services 🎉

Thank you, from all of us, to our incredible community. We are, tremendously grateful.

Voting is now open for the People’s Choice Award! If you’d like to support your team here at Tallowwood Health, and support other amazing local businesses, you can vote via the link below:

👉 https://form.jotform.com/252298178661064

Every one of our wonderful local businesses deserve to be celebrated and recognised for the amazing work they do. Congratulations all! 🙌

31/07/2025

🚨 Q Fever Is On the Rise – Protect Your Workforce 🚨

Q fever cases are currently on the rise nationally. A recent three-week reporting period (9–22 June 2025) saw 10 cases in NSW as part of a total of 28 cases across Australia. Q fever is a potentially severe bacterial illness. Employees who work with animals, animal by-products, or in rural outdoor settings may be at increased risk of exposure.

📈 What’s Happening?
🔹 935 cases reported nationally in the last 12 months – well above the 5-year average of 547*
🔹 227 cases reported in just the last 3 months
🔹 10 cases in NSW in a recent 3-week window (9–22 June 2025), out of 28 nationally
🔹 Now the most commonly reported zoonotic disease in Australia (RACGP)
🔹 Highest rates in Queensland, followed by NSW
🔹 Cause of the rise is currently unknown

🔍 Who’s at Risk?
• Abattoir & meat workers
• Livestock & dairy farmers
• Veterinarians, vet nurses & students
• Farmhands, shearers, pelt/hide processors
• Horse & wildlife handlers
• Animal breeders (incl. dogs & cats)
• Animal transporters & stockyard workers
• Pest control workers & animal control officers
• Shelter/rescue workers
• Agricultural machinery operators
• Council staff, mowing teams & rural groundskeepers
• Truck drivers transporting livestock or animal by-products

💉 On-Site Q Fever Services
We offer convenient on-site screening and vaccination, including:
✔️ Skin testing
✔️ Blood testing (serology)
✔️ Vaccination (if eligible)

📅 Vaccination Process – What to Expect:
1️⃣ Week 1: Skin & blood test to assess prior exposure
2️⃣ Week 2: Results discussed + vaccination (if needed)

⚠️ Important: The vaccine is only given if you’ve never had Q fever or the vaccine before – that’s why pre-vaccination testing (skin + blood test) is required to ensure it's safe to proceed.

If you are someone who works with animals/animal products, you have a friend or family member who does, or you have patients/clients who are in a high-risk occupational group, it is important to be informed of the risk of Q fever and recommendations to be protected 🧑‍🌾🚜

📩 Contact us on (02) 6766 6166 to enquire or learn more.

📊 *Source:https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-07/national-notifiable-diseases-surveillance-system-nndss-fortnightly-reports-9-june-2025-to-22-june-2025.pdf

11/07/2025

👩‍⚕️ Meet Dr Roveena John!
We’re very happy to welcome Dr John to our Tallowwood Health team. 🌿

Dr John earned her medical degree in the Philippines and worked as a GP in India before calling Australia home in 2022. 🇦🇺

After successfully completing her Australian medical licensing exams, she began practicing in Wollongong, and now we’re proud to have her bring her experience to Tamworth!

Dr John enjoys the full spectrum of General Practice, with a strong focus on preventive medicine and chronic disease management. She’s deeply committed to a patient-first approach and values building strong, ongoing relationships with patients and their families.

Outside the practice, you’ll find her cherishing time with her loved ones, finding joy in singing, volunteering at her church, and exploring new places. 🎶💙

🗓 Dr John is currently undergoing GP training at Tallowwood Health and will be consulting on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

We’re so excited to have her on board. ❤️

01/07/2025

👨‍⚕️ Meet Dr Ephraim Leynes!

We’re excited to welcome Dr Leynes (pronounced LEE-ness) to the Tallowwood Health team 🎉

Dr Ephraim Leynes is a General Practitioner who completed his training in the Philippines 🇵🇭 and is a Diplomate in Family Medicine, accredited by the Philippine Academy of Family Physicians. Before joining Tallowwood Health, he had an active practice, delivering comprehensive care to individuals and families across all stages of life 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦.

Outside of medicine, Ephraim likes cats 🐱, enjoys photography 📸, and plays both the bass and drums.🎵 He is also into pickleball and aspires to get better at the game.💪

🗓 You can book with Dr Leynes on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Wednesday mornings each week.

We’re thrilled to have him on board, make sure to say hello next time you visit 👋

30/06/2025

📣 Welcome to the Tallowwood Health team!

We’re delighted to welcome Dr Roveena John and Dr Ephraim Leynes to our growing team of GPs.

Pictured here (left to right): Bayley (Admin), Michael (Admin), Dee (Nurse), Bek (Practice Manager), Dr Roveena John (GP), and Dr Ephraim Leynes (GP).

Both bring a wealth of experience and a commitment to providing quality care to our community here in Tamworth. We’re thrilled to have them on board and we look forward to you meeting them both.

Please join us in making them feel at home at Tallowwood Health. 👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️🌿

15/05/2025

A New Chapter for Tallowwood Health: Dr Daniel Rankmore Passes the Baton

To our Tallowwood Health community,

We have some important updates to share. After 10 years at Tallowwood Health – near seven of those as a director - Dr Daniel Rankmore will be passing the baton to Dr Matthew Chan.

Since joining the practice in 2015 and becoming a director in 2018, Dr Rankmore has brought his drive and passion to Tallowwood Health. He has played a key role in modernising our communication tools and reminders, expanding and streamlining our chronic disease clinics, and strengthening the financial stability of the practice. He also led a community-wide initiative to improve access to high-quality aged care in the region.

In his clinical practice, Dr Rankmore has recently focused on skin cancer management, which now forms the largest part of his patient care. Beyond Tamworth, he also provides emergency services at Gunnedah Emergency Department and anaesthetic support for local patients.

As he steps away from Tallowwood Health, Dr Rankmore will continue providing skin cancer services from July 2025 with the team at My GP Hub, here in Tamworth.

Stepping into his new role as co-director, Dr Matthew Chan will join Dr David Lockart in leading Tallowwood Health. Dr Chan has been a valued member of the team since 2019. In addition to caring for his regular patients, he has actively supervised medical students and GP registrars while contributing to key decisions at the practice. He has also developed a strong role in occupational health care with local businesses—along with keeping our practice’s NRL tipping competition going strong!

We understand that if you are a patient of Dr Rankmore, you may find this news unexpected. We want to assure you that we are committed to ensuring you continue to receive the care you need, whether that means transitioning to another doctor at Tallowwood Health or seeking care elsewhere. We are also hoping to welcome two new doctors - one in June and another in the next few months - to further support our patients.

We wish Dr Rankmore all the best in the next chapter of his career. Dr Chan and Dr Lockart remain dedicated to providing high-quality care for our patients and their families, supported by our incredible team at Tallowwood Health.

15/03/2025

🌟 Flu Vaccination Appointments Now Available! 🌟

You can now book either your flu vaccination—or flu and COVID vaccinations—online through HotDoc! A Saturday clinic on the 12th of April 2025 is currently available, with more dates to be announced soon. We have the following options available:

Types of Clinics:
• Influenza Only
• Influenza & COVID

For any other vaccinations or medical advice, please book a consultation with your usual GP.

Why Get Vaccinated?
• Stay Healthy: The flu shot lowers your chances of getting really sick or dealing with nasty complications.
• Protect Others: Getting vaccinated also helps keep those around you safe, especially people who are more at risk.

📅 Ready to book? You can visit our website here to follow the prompts: https://www.tallowwoodhealth.com.au

17/02/2025

🌟 Meet Dr. Matt Parsons! 🌟

Matt grew up in Gunnedah and has returned to the area with his wife and three young kids. Having been at the Tamworth Base Hospital for the last four years, you may have had the opportunity (or misfortune!) to meet him in the Emergency Department, where he has developed his special skills in critical care. Matt has a passion for four-wheel driving and camping. He has no plans to leave the region, with special interests in Rural Emergency Medicine and supporting small country towns.

Matt is here at Tallowwood Health on Mondays through Fridays, with every second Thursday at the Tamworth Base Hospital.

📍121 Johnston Street, North Tamworth (Prev. Barton Lane Practice)
📞 (02) 6766 6166