At Hunters Hill Medical Practice (HHMP), we are proud to share some exciting news that highlights our commitment to excellence in healthcare. Yesterday, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) announced the winners of the NSW awards, and we are thrilled to announce that HHMP has been awarded the prestigious title of Practice of the Year!

What is the RACGP?

The RACGP is Australia’s leading professional body for general practitioners, with over 40,000 members across urban and rural Australia. Founded in 1958, the RACGP plays a critical role in supporting GPs through professional development, advocacy, and providing a robust framework for high-quality healthcare. Its influence extends across various facets of general practice, including education, policy development and practice standards. Through this work, the RACGP, strives to enhance the quality of care provided to patients while also supporting GPs. The broad nature of the RACGP’s role makes it the peak body in the general practice and primary healthcare space.

The RACGP Awards

The RACGP Awards are an annual celebration of excellence in general practice, recognising GPs, registrars, supervisors, medical educators, and practices that go above and beyond for their communities. Among the awards, the Practice of the Year award stands out, honouring a practice that exemplifies exceptional service, innovation, and community engagement.

The selection criteria for this award are stringent, focusing on several key areas:

• Current accreditation status
• Structure and facilities available for both patients and staff
• Services provided to patients, including preventive care and health promotion
• The delivery of care by practice staff
• Unique differentiators that set the practice apart
• Involvement in general practice teaching

Practices must demonstrate excellence across these criteria to be considered for the award.

Celebrating Our Win!

We are overjoyed to have been announced as the Practice of the Year for NSW! This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team at HHMP. Today, we have come together to celebrate this remarkable achievement, sharing our joy with our patients and staff.

Our celebration includes a display of the award in our waiting area, where patients can see it and share in our pride. We also prepared some delicious cupcakes and special lollies for our patients, offering a sweet treat as a small token of our gratitude for their support. Additionally, our staff received gifts as a way to acknowledge their hard work and commitment to providing high-quality care.

A Heartfelt Response from Our Community

The overwhelming support we have received from our patients has truly touched our hearts. Many patients took the time to congratulate our team on our award, expressing their appreciation for the care we provide. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that our efforts have a positive impact on our community.

As we reflect on this achievement, we are reminded that our work is not just about providing medical care; it’s about fostering relationships and building a supportive healthcare environment. We are grateful for the trust our patients place in us and are motivated to continue improving our services.

About Hunters Hill Medical Practice

Established in 1860, HHMP is proud to be Australia’s oldest general practice. Our long history in the community has allowed us to develop a deep understanding of the healthcare needs of our patients. We pride ourselves on our multidisciplinary model, which enables us to offer comprehensive care under one roof.

At HHMP, we focus on holistic treatment, emphasizing both physical and mental health. Our practice is equipped with a variety of co-located services, including specialists and allied health providers, allowing us to provide coordinated care tailored to each patient’s unique needs. This integrated approach not only enhances the quality of care we deliver but also simplifies the healthcare journey for our patients.

Onwards and upwards

The RACGP Practice of the Year Award is not just a title; it is a recognition of our unwavering commitment to excellence in healthcare. We are excited to continue our journey, inspired by the support of our community and the incredible team at Hunters Hill Medical Practice. Thank you for being a part of this celebration with us!

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

During Women’s Health Week, a pivotal moment for spotlighting women’s health issues, Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Ged Kearney, and Federal Member for Bennelong, Jerome Laxale MP, visited the Hunters Hill Medical Practice (HHMP) to underscore the importance of accessible and comprehensive women’s health services. Their visit highlights the ongoing commitment to improving healthcare for women, particularly through the Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic, which benefits from funding provided by the Federal Department of Health.

Celebrating Women’s Health Week

Women’s Health Week is an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about the unique health challenges women face and promoting the importance of proactive health management. An emphasis on empowerment and supporting women has emerged. HHMP aims to provide comprehensive support systems to address various health issues, from general wellness to specific conditions like endometriosis. The week serves as a reminder of the importance of regular health check-ups, education, and community support in managing women’s health concerns.

Spotlight on Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain

An area of focus for Minister Kearney has been endometriosis, a condition affecting approximately one in seven Australian Women and one in ten women globally. Endometriosis is characterised by the growth of tissue similar to the lining of the uterus outside the uterus, causing chronic pain and potentially leading to infertility. The Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic at HHMP aims to provide support, strategies and hope for women suffering from these debilitating conditions.

The clinic, supported by the Federal Department of Health, provides focused care that includes medical treatment, physiotherapy, dietitian advice, psychological support, and nursing care. This holistic approach aims to address the multifaceted nature of endometriosis and pelvic pain, offering patients a range of options tailored to their specific needs.

Meeting with HHMP Staff

During their visit, Minister Ged Kearney and MP Jerome Laxale had the opportunity to meet with the dedicated staff of HHMP. The visit began with a clinic tour and proceeded to meetings with the clinic’s team, including doctors, physiotherapists, psychologists, nurses, and management staff. The parliamentarians engaged in detailed discussions about the range of services offered at the clinic and the impact of federal funding on their ability to provide comprehensive care.

Dr Kylie Ozen and Dr Pooja Rastogi, both of whom see patients at the HHMP Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic, spoke about the challenges and successes of treating patients with endometriosis. They emphasized the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, which combines medical treatments with physical therapy and psychological support and dietary advice to improve overall patient outcomes. Dr Charbel Badr, Medical Director at HHMP discussed using the grant funding to integrate these services to ensures that the greatest number of patients receive them. This included innovative approaches such as online group sessions which helped the team deliver services to some patients who are 200+ kilometres away.

Monica Marcos from Ryde Road Physiotherapy, discussed the role of the physiotherapists at the clinic in helping patients manage pain and improve their quality of life through specialised exercises and techniques such as TENS. Amanda Patterson discussed the role of psychological support to help patients cope with their ongoing pain, manage the emotional toll of chronic pain and control the stress associated with their condition.

The nurses and management staff were also recognised for their essential roles in delivering care and maintaining the clinic’s operations. Their dedication ensures that patients receive continuous, high-quality care and that the clinic runs smoothly.

The Impact of Federal Funding

Federal funding has been instrumental in supporting the Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic’s operations. This funding has enabled HHMP to expand its services, invest in state-of-the-art equipment, and enhance patient support systems. The funding has also allowed HHMP to send a team to The Pelvic Pain Foundation of Australia‘s national seminar in Adelaide to keep up to date. Minister Kearney was very supportive of the teams work and discussed some options to help further support women’s health.  Mr Jerome Laxale congratulated the staff on the work they were doing and mentioned how proud he was to have of of the 22 national clinics in his electorate of Bennelong.

Looking Ahead

The visit to HHMP during Women’s Health Week serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing need to address women’s health issues with compassion and dedication. By highlighting the work being done at the Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic, Ged Kearney and Jerome Laxale MP have brought attention to a critical area of healthcare that requires continued support and investment.

As Women’s Health Week comes to a close, we would like to recognise the many women in our community and wish them the best of health. We would also like to recognise the many wonderful and committed health practitioners that work from HHMP and provide support to these women on a daily basis.

For more information about the Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic at Hunters Hill Medical Practice, please see our endometriosis and pelvic pain specific page or complete our online questionnaire for one of our nurses to call you back. Otherwise please email us clinic@hhmp.com.au or call 9817 2080 . You can also reach out online to various women’s health initiatives, through their website or reach out to local health services. Let’s continue the conversation and support women’s health every week of the year.

Endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain present complex challenges that require a multifaceted approach to treatment. The HHMP Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain clinic is part of the Commonwealth Government National Plan for Endometriosis where multiple Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinics have been funded to bring such care to patients in their communities.

The HHMP team is dedicated to providing sensitive and up to date care for patients with endometriosis and pelvic pain. As a multidisciplinary practice, different clinicians collaborate as a team—comprising doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, dietitians, psychologists, gynaecologists, endocrinologists and other relevant specialists. This multidisciplinary model allows us to address the diverse needs of our patients through a combination of medical, nursing, and allied health interventions to best suit their needs and medical conditions.

The Pelvic Pain Foundation of Australia National Seminar

The Pelvic Pain Foundation of Australia‘s national seminar is a premier event that brings together experts from various fields to share the latest research, advancements, and techniques in the management of pelvic pain and endometriosis. For our team from HHMP, attending this seminar was an opportunity to stay at the forefront of these evolving fields.

Attending the seminar also allowed the team to learn from the experience of others. We were able to meet and discuss the clinic workflow and refine these for the HHMP patients. As the HHMP Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic moves forward and continues to grow, the team remain dedicated to leveraging the insights gained to improve patient outcomes.

Patient Benefits

If you suspect you have endometriosis or pelvic pain and you would like to know how we can help, please see our endometriosis and pelvic pain specific page or complete our online questionnaire for one of our nurses to call you back. Otherwise please email us clinic@hhmp.com.au or call 9817 2080

A recent US study followed nearly half a million women for 12 years. 79,000 women had been diagnosed with endometriosis at an average age of 36, and 372,000 age-matched controls without endometriosis. It has revealed a significant connection between endometriosis and a heightened risk of ovarian cancer.

The worse the endometriosis the higher the risk

The findings, led by researchers from the University of Utah, indicate that women with endometriosis are over four times more likely to develop ovarian cancer compared to those without the condition. Notably, women with severe subtypes of endometriosis, such as deep infiltrating endometriosis and ovarian endometriomas, face an almost 10-fold increased risk.

Cause is multifactorial

The exact mechanisms linking endometriosis to ovarian cancer remain unclear, but is thought to be multifactorial. Researchers suggest a potential genetic predisposition and overlapping hormonal, immunological, and inflammatory markers

Next Steps

Given these findings, women with endometriosis, particularly those with severe subtypes, may benefit from counselling regarding their ovarian cancer risk. Additionally, for women who have completed childbearing or have alternative fertility options, more definitive surgical interventions might be worth considering.

This research underscores the importance of targeted screening and prevention strategies for women with endometriosis to better manage and mitigate their elevated risk of ovarian cancer.

If you suspect you have endometriosis or pelvic pain and you would like to know how we can help, please see our endometriosis and pelvic pain specific page or complete our online questionnaire for one of our nurses to call you back. Otherwise please email us clinic@hhmp.com.au or call 9817 2080

Resources:

The study: Endometriosis Typology and Ovarian Cancer Risk 

JAMA Editorial: New Insights into Endometriosis Subtypes and Ovarian Cancer Risk 

NAIDOC Week is time for all Australians to come together and celebrate the rich history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This annual event, offers an opportunity to recognise and honour the contributions of Australia’s First Peoples, who have cared for this land for over 65,000 years. At HHMP, we are committed to supporting and celebrating our Indigenous patients whenever we can.

A Commitment to Health and Well-being

HHMP is dedicated to being part of the solution when it comes to improving healthcare outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. We understand that these communities often face unique health challenges and barriers to accessing care. To address this, we offer extra services designed to support our Indigenous patients in a culturally sensitive and inclusive manner.

We provide bulk billed health assessments for Indigenous patients. These assessments are comprehensive and tailored to address the specific health needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals. These assessments remove the financial barriers that may exist and can for eligible patients allow us to refer them to subsidised services such as dietitian and psychology. We can also help Indigenous patients to register for government programs to help them access medication and other benefits.

Supporting Indigenous Students

HHMP doctors are proud to care for many Indigenous students who are boarding at St Joseph’s College (Joeys) as part of the school’s scholarship program. Being away from their families and communities can be challenging for these young people. The school team and the doctors strive to provide them with a supportive and caring environment. The doctors and nurses are committed to ensuring that these students receive the best possible healthcare while they are away from home. The doctors work closely with the school to monitor their health and well-being, providing regular check-ups and addressing any medical concerns promptly.

Encouraging Open Communication

Open communication is essential in providing the best possible care for patients and the community. HHMP encourages all our patients who identify as Indigenous to let our administration team know so this is marked in the file. By understanding your background and any specific health concerns, we can tailor our services to better support you and your family. This information helps us create a more inclusive and welcoming environment, allows access to government programs and ensures that your healthcare experience is respectful and personalised.

Celebrating NAIDOC Week Together

NAIDOC Week is a time to reflect on the resilience and strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is also an opportunity for all Australians to learn more about the rich cultural heritage and history of our First Peoples. Multiple doctors and staff at HHMP are currently undergoing extra cultural safety training to be better able to support out Indigenous patients.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Endometriosis is a complex and challenging condition that affects countless women around the world. In Australia, 1 in 7 women live with endometriosis, many without even being aware, thinking painful periods and pelvic pain are “normal.”

While medical interventions play a crucial role in managing endometriosis, we must recognize the powerful influence that food choices can have on symptom severity.

Although there is no universal dietary pattern for the management of endometriosis, emerging studies show the intricate relationship between certain nutrients and symptom reduction, as well as improving overall well-being.

Here are three nutrients to get you started:

Anti-Inflammatory Foods:

Given that endometriosis demonstrates a state of chronic inflammation, anti-inflammatory foods can reduce the severity of pain symptoms. Having a diet rich in wholesome foods, including wholegrain carbohydrates, lean proteins, colorful vegetables, and fruit, will provide anti-inflammatory nutrients. On the other hand, minimizing pro-inflammatory nutrients such as saturated fats, alcohol, and simple sugars can help alleviate symptoms.

Fiber

Fiber can help remove excess estrogen from the body, which can reduce inflammation, support a healthy gut microbiota, maintain bowel regularity, and decrease endometriosis growth. Aiming for as many plant-based fiber-rich foods in your diet as possible will support your endometriosis management. Try simple habits like adding 2 cups of salad vegetables to all lunch and dinner meals.

Omega-3

Omega-3 fatty acids have been found to have a protective effect in managing endometriosis symptoms, particularly pelvic pain. Our bodies can’t produce omega-3 acids, so it is crucial to consume them through diet or supplemental form. Omega-3s decrease prostaglandins, which elevate abdominal fluid and contribute to the mechanism of pain in endometriosis. Are you eating salmon, sardines, chia seeds, or walnuts for the omega-3 benefits?

If you, or someone you know, is suffering from endometriosis, reach out and seek support from a dietitian. It could be beneficial to help reduce and manage symptoms.

The above post was created by Tatiana Bedikian, Dietitian from Body Fusion who is part of our endometriosis clinic team.

Endometriosis Clinic

If you suspect you have endometriosis or pelvic pain and you would like to know how we can help, please see our endometriosis and pelvic pain specific page or complete our online questionnaire for one of our nurses to call you back. Otherwise please email us clinic@hhmp.com.au or call 9817 2080

It’s that time of year again – the 2024 flu season is upon us and we are seeing lots of influenza cases.

The influenza virus continues to cause significant illness and it’s important to take steps to protect yourself and those around you. One of the most effective ways to do this is by getting vaccinated against the flu.

The 2024 influenza vaccine is now available for patients from 6 months of age and up. The vaccine for patients aged over 65 years was just delivered today and we have plenty of stock to vaccinate all our patients.

The vaccine is designed to protect against four strains of the virus that are expected to be most common during the season. While the vaccine is not 100% effective, it can help to reduce the severity of your symptoms and lower your risk of complications.

It’s important to understand that Influenza can be a serious illness, especially for young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with chronic medical conditions. In some cases, the flu can even be life-threatening. By getting vaccinated, you not only protect yourself but also those around you who may be more vulnerable to the virus.

The influenza vaccine is safe and has been proven to be effective. Common side effects include soreness at the injection site, a low-grade fever, and muscle aches. These symptoms typically go away within a few days.

Co-administration

The COVID-19 vaccines can be co-administered (given on the same day) with an influenza vaccine. The Pneumonia vaccine is also possible to be given at the same time as flu if you are eligible. While this is seen as safe, it comes with a slightly higher risk of side effects such as fever.

Making a vaccine booking

Appointments for Influenza/Flu vaccination and COVID-19 vaccination can be made with the doctors and nurse online by clicking the BOOK NOW button at the top of this page or by calling 02 9817 2080. We now have new doctors and extra nurses with availability to be seen and vaccinated on the day, call our reception 02 9817 2080 for more information.

We encourage all eligible patients to get vaccinated against both Influenza / Flu and COVID-19.

More Information

Flu vaccination consumer fact sheet 

ATAGI updated Influenza information

It’s that time of year again – the 2024 flu season is upon us.

The influenza virus continues to cause significant illness and it’s important to take steps to protect yourself and those around you. One of the most effective ways to do this is by getting vaccinated against the flu.

The 2024 influenza vaccine is now available for patients aged 5-65 years. The vaccine for patients aged over 65 years will be available in the first 1-2 weeks in April.

The vaccine is designed to protect against four strains of the virus that are expected to be most common during the season. While the vaccine is not 100% effective, it can help to reduce the severity of your symptoms and lower your risk of complications.

It’s important to understand that Influenza can be a serious illness, especially for young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with chronic medical conditions. In some cases, the flu can even be life-threatening. By getting vaccinated, you not only protect yourself but also those around you who may be more vulnerable to the virus.

The influenza vaccine is safe and has been proven to be effective. Common side effects include soreness at the injection site, a low-grade fever, and muscle aches. These symptoms typically go away within a few days.

If you’re considering getting vaccinated, talk to your doctor or nurse to determine which type of vaccine is best for you. For example, there are high-dose vaccines for people over 65.

Co-administration

The COVID-19 vaccines can be co-administered (given on the same day) with an influenza vaccine. The Pneumonia vaccine is also possible to be given at the same time as flu if you are eligible. While this is seen as safe, it comes with a slightly higher risk of side effects such as fever.

Making a vaccine booking

Appointments for Influenza/Flu vaccination and COVID-19 vaccination can be made with the doctors and nurse online by clicking the BOOK NOW button at the top of this page or by calling 02 9817 2080. We now have new doctors and extra nurses with availability to be seen and vaccinated on the day, call our reception 02 9817 2080 for more information.

We encourage all eligible patients to get vaccinated against both Influenza / Flu and COVID-19.

More Information

Flu vaccination consumer fact sheet 

ATAGI updated Influenza information

Wednesday 20th of March 2024, 6:30-8:30pm at Hunters Hill Medical Practice, 6 Ryde Road, Hunters Hill NSW

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month. 1 in 7 women in Australia live with Endometriosis, many without even being aware: thinking painful periods and pelvic pain are “normal”. Endometriosis is also the leading cause of infertility unless addressed early.

The Hunters Hill Medical Practice Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic offers a comprehensive treatment approach to Endometriosis and pelvic pain with: GPs, physiotherapists, dieticians, gynaecologists, fertility specialists, psychologists and endocrinologists.

Education for staff and patients has always been highly valued at HHMP. This free education evening aims to support women and families living with Endometriosis.

Presenters:

Dr Pooja Rastogi, GP
Amanda Patterson, Clinical Psychologist
Tatiana Bedikian, Dietitian
Monica Marcos, Physiotherapist
Dr I-Ferne Tan, Fertility Specialist

We kindly ask for you to register for this free event.

Light supper provided.

To register please scan the QR code