Featured image for “I’ve tested positive to COVID. What should I do now?”
12/01/22

I’ve tested positive to COVID. What should I do now?

For two years, COVID has dominated our world. In Australia, we’ve tested every sniffle, undergone extensive lockdowns, and double-vaccinated more than 90% of adults to combat this lethal virus. So, it’s understandable our first reaction when we test positive to COVID ourselves is to panic.However, a positive test doesn’t mean you will necessarily end up in hospital. As a GP, here’s my advice on what you should do. See full story in The Conversation
Read More
Featured image for “Pfizer vaccinations for children aged 5 – 11 – book online now”
11/01/22

Pfizer vaccinations for children aged 5 – 11 – book online now

New clinics for children aged 5 to 11 years are opened for online bookings when we receive our allocation – just 100 doses per delivery. Clinics are now open for 1st and 9th February 2022 – be quick – demand is strong and contrary to government public info, our supply is currently limited to 100 doses per delivery. You can also book your child’s follow up dose 8 weeks after the first dose. Please continue to check availability online – please don’t phone us – it is overwhelming our capacity. Please book online.
Read More
Featured image for “Need your booster shot?  Pfizer and Moderna vaccines arriving fortnightly”
11/01/22

Need your booster shot? Pfizer and Moderna vaccines arriving fortnightly

Please use the Book a Covid Vax tabs above to see appointment availability at Moruya or Broulee and book online – demand is strong so check often  – new clinics open online weekly and appointments fill quickly. Please don’t phone to book your booster shot – the volume of calls is overwhelming. Please book online – if you don’t see available appointments please check again often – there is no need to phone us.  During January 2022, you can book a booster dose if it has been 4 months or longer since your second dose of COVID-19 vaccine. If booking your booster from February 2022 you can have your booster if it’s been 3 months or longer since your second dose of COVID-19 vaccine. The date you had your second dose of vaccine is on your COVID-19 digital certificate.
Read More
Featured image for “New graduate RN position – applications invited”
06/12/21

New graduate RN position – applications invited

Banksia Villages and Queen Street Medical Centre are offering an innovative and exciting New Graduate Program for Registered Nurses. Facilitated by the University of Wollongong, this fully funded, new graduate program will give you a unique opportunity to gain expansive knowledge in both general practice/community and gerontological nursing and pave the way for a truly rewarding career  – see full details here New Graduate RN Program 
Read More
Featured image for “CSIRO proves Black Summer fires are part of a clear trend”
29/11/21

CSIRO proves Black Summer fires are part of a clear trend

CSIRO’s new analysis of Australian forest fire trends just published in Nature Communications confirms for the first time the Black Summer fires are part of a clear trend of worsening fire weather and ever-larger forest areas burned by fires.
Read More
Featured image for “Omicron – the new variant in town”
29/11/21

Omicron – the new variant in town

It’s the news we didn’t want: There’s a new variant of concern in town and it’s got all sorts of mutations just where you don’t want them. Learn more from Dr. Norman Swan on today’s Coronacast
Read More
Featured image for “Make a date – it’s time to boost your COVID immunity”
29/11/21

Make a date – it’s time to boost your COVID immunity

It’s now time for another dose of the COVID vaccination for most of the population urges Dr. Neil Starmer.
Read More
Featured image for “Pitch in for Dr Neil Mackay this MOVEMBER”
25/10/21

Pitch in for Dr Neil Mackay this MOVEMBER

Our Dr Neil Mackay has signed up for MOVEMBER – he’s aiming to change the face of men’s health. Let’s all pitch in to help Neil meet his fundraising target – Dr NEIL MACKAY’S MOVEMBER FUNDRAISER “Movember is the leading charity changing the face of men’s health, and this Movember I’m joining them. Together we can make a difference for men’s health – in prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention. Help me stop men dying too young.”
Read More
Featured image for “Best wishes to Drs Thilan and Kishani”
15/10/21

Best wishes to Drs Thilan and Kishani

Thilan and Kishani are following their passion and starting their very own practice – the Beach Road Surgery – where Thilan will practice his skin cancer and aesthetic medicine and Kishani will continue her general practice. Our very best wishes Kishani and Thilan and we wish you every success.
Read More
Featured image for “No, COVID vaccines don’t stay in your body for years”
14/10/21

No, COVID vaccines don’t stay in your body for years

A common myth of vaccines that has appeared in recent months is the accusation they remain active in the body for extended periods of time – a claim which has increased vaccine hesitancy in some people.
Read More
Featured image for “The Monthly: We need to think about post-lockdown rights”
05/10/21

The Monthly: We need to think about post-lockdown rights

This morning I read an extremely thoughtful essay by Margaret Simons in The Monthly The article was nuanced and thought provoking, as is most of the content published by Schwarz Media. Simons writes “Lacking serious debate on the next stage of the pandemic, Australia is ill-prepared”

Read More
Featured image for “Pfizer COVID-19 vax available to all people aged 12 and over”
29/09/21

Pfizer COVID-19 vax available to all people aged 12 and over

Queen Street Medical Centre Moruya is now offering all people aged 12 and over the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine – clinics open online when vaccines are delivered. How to book: Please do not call us – please continue to use the Book a COVID Vax buttons here on our Home page or find other locations using the Department of Health eligibility checker.
Read More
Featured image for “Coronacast – latest news and research by ABC’s Dr Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor”
16/09/21

Coronacast – latest news and research by ABC’s Dr Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor

Coronacast is a podcast that answers your questions about coronavirus. ABC’s Dr Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor break down the latest news and research to help you understand how the world is living through a pandemic. 

Read More
Featured image for “Getting vaccinated is our only way out says Dr Neil Starmer”
15/09/21

Getting vaccinated is our only way out says Dr Neil Starmer

“COVID-19 Delta has arrived in the Eurobodalla. This variant is more infectious and as a community we are tiring of restrictions.” warns our practice partner GP, Dr Neil Starmer.

Dr Starmer stresses “The only way out of this mess is to vaccinate. The risk to you from the vaccine is less than the risk to you from COVID-19.“

Read More
Featured image for “”
01/07/21

Confused about your COVID-19 vaccination options and the risks? We recommend you read this article appearing in The Conversation 29 June 2021 – click on the read more link below.

In a nutshell, if you are under 40 years old and want to get a COVID-19 vaccine the options are:

1. wait until Pfizer becomes available for your specific situation (you can use the vaccine eligibility checker to see when you’re eligible)

2. think about getting an AstraZeneca vaccine.

The best advice is to discuss with your GP your own unique story, and the risks and benefits as they relate to you.

Also listen to QUEENSTREETMEDCAST  – Dr Neil Starmer unpicks the developing COVID-19 outbreak and vaccination confusion.

To be fully informed, read the full story by The Conversation  – click on the Read more link below.

Read More
Featured image for “New COVID-19 measures across NSW – new restrictions at our practice”
27/06/21

New COVID-19 measures across NSW – new restrictions at our practice

New COVID-19 measures apply across NSW. 

If you are a CLOSE or CASUAL CONTACT or HAVE VISITED any of the NSW locations during the time and date indicated it is essential to follow the NSW Health advice. Latest COVID-19 case locations and alerts in NSW.

We have implemented stricter entry and infection protocols at our practices:

Patients and carers please note: If you have visited Greater Sydney or are a close or casual contact – do not enter our Moruya or Broulee practices. Get tested immediately and self-isolate.  Our waiting room is for patients only – our Covid Concierge will determine if your carer or family member may enter. Please do not arrive early for your appointment – waiting room numbers are strictly limited in accordance with infection protocols. All patients must wear a mask at all times within our practice in accordance with NSW Face Mask Rules

Be sure you are fully informed on the latest restrictions. Click on Read more below. Book your COVID vaccination at our practice online (links above) or use the government eligibility checker to find other vaccination locations.

Read More
Featured image for “COVID VACCINATION Update 4 – Pfizer preferred vaccine for people 16 to 59 years”
18/06/21

COVID VACCINATION Update 4 – Pfizer preferred vaccine for people 16 to 59 years

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommends the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine (Comirnaty) as the preferred vaccine for those aged 16 to under 60 years. This updates the previous preferential recommendation for Pfizer (Comirnaty) over COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca in those aged 16 to under 50 years.  The recommendation is revised due to a higher risk and observed severity of thrombosis and thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) related to the use of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine observed in Australia in the 50-59 year old age group than reported internationally and initially estimated in Australia.

Read the full statement: ATAGI Statement 17 June 2021

Follow the read more link for Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about your Covid vaccination.

Read More
Featured image for “COVID VACCINATION – how to book”
18/06/21

COVID VACCINATION – how to book

The federal government is controlling the rollout of the AstraZeneka and Pfizer vaccines. How to check if bookings are available? Please do not call us – please continue to use the Book a Covid Vax buttons above or find other locations using this eligibility checker. In the meantime, we are well underway with our flu vaccination effort, so if you have not had flu vaccine yet please make an appointment. The flu vaccine needs to be given at least two weeks away from a COVID vaccine. Bookings for all our appointments, flu vaccine clinics and COVID vaccination clinics are best made online.
Read More
Featured image for “New heroin treatment option yielding positive results among patients at Melbourne injecting rooms”
18/06/21

New heroin treatment option yielding positive results among patients at Melbourne injecting rooms

Summer’s* fascination with heroin started when she was just a teenager, but she never thought she would become addicted. The 34-year-old’s life was completely controlled by her six-year heroin addiction. She says she would still be dependent if it wasn’t for a new form of opioid replacement therapy.

It was only when she used heroin at the North Richmond supervised injecting room that she was offered a new treatment – a once-a-month injection. “If it wasn’t for the injection, I’d still be in the same cycle,” Summer said. “If you put heroin in front of me, I’d kick it in the drain, I just have no interest in using ever again.”

Click on the link below for more of this story by ABC’s Erin Cooper – you’ll also find links if you or anyone you know needs help.

Read More
Featured image for “Latest COVID-19 case locations and alerts in NSW”
03/06/21

Latest COVID-19 case locations and alerts in NSW

For the latest COVID-19 close contact locations please visit the NSW Health site. If you are a CLOSE CONTACT or HAVE VISITED any of the NSW locations during the time and date indicated it is essential to follow the NSW Health advice – click on read more below. At our Queen Street Medical practices at Moruya and Broulee, we continue to implement strict entry and infection protocols. If you have visited any of the locations listed or recently been to Victoria please phone us for advice – do not enter our Moruya or Broulee practices. See the links on this page to book your COVID vaccination at our practice online or use the government eligibility checker to find other vaccination locations.
Read More
Featured image for “Coronacast – latest news and research by ABC’s Dr Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor”
19/04/21

Coronacast – latest news and research by ABC’s Dr Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor

Coronacast is a podcast that answers your questions about coronavirus. ABC’s Dr Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor break down the latest news and research to help you understand how the world is living through a pandemic. 

Read More
Featured image for “ELIGIBLE FOR THE FREE FLU SHOT?   Book now online”
22/03/21

ELIGIBLE FOR THE FREE FLU SHOT? Book now online

If you are eligible for a free government flu vaccination we have received the vaccines. There is no need to phone us – our vaccination clinics are open for ONLINE booking – click on the BOOK A FLU VAX button at the top of the Home page.

To check your eligibility for a free flu vaccination select the “read more” link below.

As we receive our Department of Health vaccines, we are running regular Flu Vaccine Clinics to both manage the demand and minimise the risk of COVID-19 infection via social distancing at the clinic.

Step 1:   You must please check your eligibility to receive a free government flu vaccination Step 2:  Please book your flu vaccination online – this greatly helps to manage the extremely high demand.

There must be at least 14 days between the Influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations.

 

Read More