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.

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.

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

We have been advised that HHMP will have the new Covid Vaccine Pfizer (XBB.1.5) monovalent Omicron vaccine available to give to our patients as from Monday December 11^th.

This new vaccine is believed to provide modest improved protection against the COVID 19 strains currently circulating.

ATAGI have also provided the following recommendations in regards to this new vaccine:

• All adults aged 75 years and over should receive an additional 2023 Covid vaccine dose if 6 months have passed since their last dose.
• All adults aged 65 to 74 years should consider an additional 2023 Covid 19 vaccine dose if 6 months have passed since their last dose, after discussion with their GP.
• All adults aged 18 to 64 years who are  Severely  Immunocompromised should consider an additional 2023 Covid 19 vaccine dose if 6 months have passed since their last dose, after discussion with their GP.
• For younger people or older adults (18 – 64) without severe immunocompromise who have already had a dose in 2023, no further doses are currently recommended.

Antiviral Medications

Patients over 50 years of age or over, as well as those who are immunocompromised or those with serious chronic conditions may be eligible for antiviral medications after testing positive for COVID-19. While such antivirals can help with recovery from infection, they are not a replacement for vaccination. If you test positive, you need to contact your GP ASAP to see if you eligible for antivirals and try and start these medications as soon as possible.

Shingles vaccine update

Supplies for the Shingles vaccine for eligible patients have been limited. HHMP only receives 15 doses per month. We currently have a waiting list. If you would like to be added to this list please contact our nurses.

Making a booster booking

If you would like to make a booking please click the book now button above or use the AMS connect App.

For the latest information please see the Australian Immunisation Handbook. if you would like further information or to clarify a specific situation please call the clinic and select the option to “speak to a nurse”.

The federal health minister recently announced that from the 1st of November 2023, the recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV, sold as Shingrix) will be made available under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for free to patients over 65 years old, First Nations People over 50 and immunocompromised people 18 years and over at high risk of herpes zoster infection. Shingrix will replace the previously funded vaccine Zostavax (which was available for patients over 70 years old). Not being a live vaccine, the new vaccine is safer and longer lasting than the previous one.

1 in 5 people with shingles will develop severe nerve pain known as post-herpetic neuralgia that can last months or even years. In some cases, it may be permanent. The risk of developing shingles increases with age and people aged 65 years and over are at highest risk of complications like post-herpetic neuralgia.

What is shingles?

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection characterized by a painful skin rash that typically appears as a band or strip on one side of the body. It is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person has had chickenpox, the virus can remain dormant in the nerve cells for years and then reactivate, leading to the development of shingles. The reactivation is most common during times when the patient’s immune system is less effective for example with age, immune suppression, chronic disease or other infections.

The main symptoms include a burning or tingling sensation followed by the eruption of a painful rash with fluid-filled blisters. While the rash usually clears up within a few weeks, the pain can persist for many months in some cases.

What if I think I have shingles?

Vaccinated or not, if you think you have it, you should consult your doctor as soon as possible. Antiviral medications are available and if started early can decrease the severity and duration of the episode. If you think  you may have shingles call the HHMP reception team on 9817 2080 and request an urgent appointment by advising them that you may have shingles and need to see the doctor ASAP. Other medications are also available to help with the pain and symptoms of shingles.

What if I do not qualify for the free vaccine?

If you do not qualify for the free vaccine, you can choose to have the vaccine privately. This is especially beneficial for patients from 50 years and over. HHMP carries private stock of the vaccine, the cost is about $300 per injection and 2 injections are needed between 2-6 months apart. A receipt will be given and depending on your level of cover, your private health insurer may refund you part of the cost.

Another option is for you doctor to give you a prescription for the vaccine and you can pick it up from the pharmacy and bring it with you (you will need to be mindful of cold-chain so that the vaccine remains affective). If you have any questions, please call and speak to a HHMP nurse for more information about your specific situation.

How do I book?

Vaccinations are very  common at HHMP and occur everyday. At HHMP multiple private, travel and government vaccines are available and our nurses can provide you more specific information if needed.

Making a booking is simple and can be done by clicking the BOOK NOW button at the top of this page or by calling 02 9817 2080.

It’s that time of year again – the 2023 flu season is upon us. With the influenza virus posing a serious threat to public health, 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 2023 influenza vaccine is now available for patients of all ages. 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.

Free influenza vaccine under the National Immunisation Program (NIP)

The following groups  are eligible for a free influenza vaccine:

• All children aged 6 months to less than 5 years
• All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over
• All individuals aged 65 years and over
• Pregnant women (at any stage of pregnancy)
• Individuals aged 6 months and over with certain medical conditions that increase the risk of severe influenza, such as chronic respiratory or cardiac disease, immunosuppression, and diabetes.

Medical conditions with increased influenza disease complications and eligibility for a free vaccine.

For patients not eligible for the free vaccine, the private cost of the vaccine will be $30.

COVID-19 vaccine booster doses are also available. Eligible patients need to not have had COVID-19 infection or COVID-19 vaccination in the last 6 months.

Co-administration

The COVID-19 vaccines can be co-administered (given on the same day) with an influenza vaccine. 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 encourage all eligible patients to get vaccinated against both Influenza / Flu and COVID-19.

In conclusion, getting vaccinated against the flu is an important step you can take to protect yourself and those around you. With the 2023 influenza vaccine now available for patients of all ages, there’s no reason to delay getting vaccinated.

More Information

NSW Health Influenza and vaccination 2023

ATAGI updated Influenza information

Endometriosis is a chronic medical condition that affects millions of women worldwide, causing pain, discomfort, and sometimes infertility. It is a condition in which the endometrial tissue, which is the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus, grows outside of the uterus, leading to inflammation and scarring. This tissue can grow on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other pelvic organs, causing severe pain during menstruation, sexual intercourse, or bowel movements.

One of the most common symptoms of endometriosis is pelvic pain. This pain can range from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain that can interfere with daily activities. Women with endometriosis may experience different types of pain, including:

1. Dysmenorrhea – painful periods: This is a common symptom of endometriosis, and women may experience severe cramps during their menstrual cycle, which may feel like a stabbing or burning sensation in the pelvic region.
2. Chronic pelvic pain: Women with endometriosis may experience chronic pelvic pain, which is pain that lasts for more than six months. This pain may be present throughout the month or only during specific times, such as during menstruation or sexual intercourse.
3. Pain during intercourse: Women with endometriosis may experience pain during sexual intercourse, which can make sexual activity uncomfortable or even impossible.
4. Pain during bowel movements or urination: Endometrial tissue growths can also affect the rectum and bladder, leading to pain during bowel movements or urination.

Diagnosis and Treatment:

Endometriosis is a challenging condition to diagnose, and it may take several years before a woman receives a proper diagnosis. A gynaecologist may be involved and will perform a physical exam and take a detailed medical history to evaluate the symptoms. An ultrasound, MRI, hysteroscopy (uterine camera) or laparoscopy (Intra-abdominal camera) may also be used to visualize the endometrial tissue and diagnose the condition.

There is no cure for endometriosis, but several treatment options are available to manage the symptoms. Pain relief medication such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or hormonal therapy may be prescribed to manage the pain. Hormonal therapy such as oral contraceptives or GnRH agonists can be used to regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce endometrial growth.

In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the endometrial tissue growths. A hysterectomy, which is the removal of the uterus, may be recommended in cases where the patient does not wish to have children or has not responded to other treatments.

Australian Government Commitment

Endometriosis affects at least 1 in 9 Australian women and can have an extensive, devastating impact on the daily lives of sufferers. With those suffering waiting on average of seven years before diagnosis. The federal government has committed to the establishment of 20 endometriosis clinics in general practices Australia wide.

Working in existing general practice, the clinics will strengthen what is often the first point of contact in the health system to reduce diagnostic delays and promote early access to multi-disciplinary intervention, care and treatment.

As well as directly helping patients, the clinics will raise awareness of endometriosis and pelvic pain, build professional knowledge and skills in this area, and improve access to information and care pathways.

The Assistant minister for health and aged care, The Hon. Ged Kearney noted that: “Too many women suffer for years with what we know can be debilitating conditions. They deserve to have their concerns be taken seriously with better access to specialised care”. She went on to add that “These Clinics are about providing women with an accessible front door to the care that they need. Gathering expertise under one roof, fostering that knowledge to improve diagnosis and services, having referral pathways in place – these are all crucial elements to getting the support that women need right.

Hunters Hill Medical Practice is one of those clinics

The team at hunters Hill Medical Practice is very excited to announce that we are one of only 6 clinics in NSW and 20 clinics nationally that have been picked as one of these clinics. This is a great achievement for the team and a huge vote of confidence. Multiple highly qualified female and male GPs who run their private practices from Hunters Hill Medical Practice have extra skills in women’s health and will be involved in the clinic.

The GP team will be supported by specialists, Dr Cherynne Johansson (Gynaecologist and laproscopic and robotic surgeon),  Dr May Wong (Gastroenterologist), Dr Matt Kim (Gastroenterologist), Prof Matt Rickard (Colorectal Surgeon), Dr Henry Cheung (Colorectal Surgeon), Dr Thaw Dar Htet (endocrinologist) and Dr Jeff Ahn (endocrinologist). The allied health team working from Hunters Hill Medical Practice also has excellent skills to support this with physiotherapists, psychologists and dietitian. This is a comprehensive group of practitioners to have at your local general practice, that is able to address your endometriosis and pelvic pain at all levels, diagnosis, treatment, surgery, weight management, Bowel related issues etc.

What happens next

The announcement of the clinics was made on Wednesday 22^nd of March 2023. We are glad to have qualified people at HHMP. GPs, physios and Gynecologist are already seeing and treating women. This funding will allow us to expand services and acquire extra resources and equipment.

Endometriosis Australia website can be a good place for information.

If we can be of assistance please use the BOOK NOW button or call us on 02 9817 2080.

Hunters Hill Tri Club is a new local club encouraging fitness and healthy use of the outdoors. As a triathlon club the focus is on cardiovascular fitness and physical activity. When combined with a good diet and appropriate sun protection, it is a winning formulae!

Hunters Hill Medical Practice is one of the inaugural sponsors for the Hunters Hill Tri Club (HHTC). We are happy to have some of our patients as members of the club and encourage others to be active and exercise.

Exclusive offer to HHTC members

As part of our focus on prevention, HHTC members, have an exclusive discount offer when accessing our Molemap skin check service.

If you have any questions please call us on 9817 2080

It has been some time since a new COVID-19 dose has been announced. The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has updated their recommendation on the  COVID-19 booster program and recommended the 2023 dose.  This applies to patients 18 years and over as well as children with serious chronic conditions or those considered at risk. For people over the age of 65, this will  be their 5th shot.

Advice summary

• A 2023 COVID-19 vaccine booster dose for adults in the following groups, is recommended if their last COVID-19 vaccine dose or confirmed infection (whichever is the most recent) was 6 months ago or longer, and regardless of the number of prior doses received:
  • All adults aged 65 years and over
  • Adults aged 18-64 years who have medical comorbidities that increase their risk of severe COVID-19, or disability with significant or complex health needs.
• ATAGI advises the following groups should consider a 2023 booster dose if their last COVID-19 vaccine dose or confirmed infection (whichever is the most recent) was 6 months ago or longer, and regardless of the number of prior doses received, based on an individual risk benefit assessment with their immunisation provider.
  • All Adults aged 18-64 years without risk factors for severe COVID-19
  • Children and adolescents aged 5-17 years who have medical comorbidities that increase their risk of severe COVID-19, or disability with significant or complex health needs.
• ATAGI advises that a booster dose is not recommended at this time for children and adolescents aged under the age of 18 who do not have any risk factors for severe COVID-19.

Please discuss your suitability for the 2023 booster with your healthcare professional.

Vaccine options

• All currently available COVID-19 vaccines are anticipated to provide benefit as a booster dose
• Bivalent mRNA booster vaccines (Pfizer or Moderna) are preferred over other vaccines.
• COVID-19 vaccine can be co-administered with influenza and other vaccines.
• Administration of a 2023 COVID-19 booster dose should aim to occur prior to June 2023  and at a time of 6 months or greater following the most recent COVID-19 vaccine dose or confirmed infection.

Anticipated benefits of a 2023 COVID-19 vaccine booster dose

An additional COVID-19 booster dose is anticipated to address waning of protection against severe COVID-19 prior to winter. This will provide an increase in protection against severe illness and protect the healthcare system during a time of high demand.

It is recommended to defer vaccination for 6 months following a confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, as this, together with prior vaccine doses received, will boost protection against COVID-19.  There are no safety concerns for individuals receiving a COVID-19 vaccine who may have had undetected SARS-CoV-2 infection within the past 6 months.

The increase in protection against severe illness from COVID-19 following a booster dose is most beneficial for people at higher risk of severe illness, i.e., older adults (65 years +) and those with serious medical conditions, chronic conditions or immunocompromise.

ATAGI considers a booster dose is most beneficial for all adults aged 65 years and older. The risk of severe disease increases with each decade of age. W

For children and adolescents aged 5-17 years with risk factors for severe illness, a booster dose may be beneficial; decision-making around booster vaccination should be based on an individual risk-benefit assessment with your doctor.

ATAGI continues to recommend a primary course of vaccination against COVID-19, followed by a booster dose for those eligible, even in individuals who have had past infection. Adults who have already been infected with an Omicron subvariant and vaccinated with 3 doses of COVID-19 vaccine are at lower risk of reinfection and hospitalisation compared to those who have been infected but not vaccinated.

Any future doses will be based on the ongoing surveillance of COVID-19 infection rates and clinical outcomes, new variants, and vaccine effectiveness.

Making a booster booking

Making a booking is simple and can be done online using the BOOK NOW button on top of this page or by calling 02 9817 2080. There is no waiting list.

Please wear a mask when you attend the practice.