From 1 December 2017, a new Cervical Screening Test, which aims to detect the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is replacing the Pap test (or Pap smear) for women aged 25–74.  This program is changing based on the latest available evidence on the development and prevention of cervical cancer. Women who have been vaccinated against HPV still need to have regular cervical screening, as the vaccine does not protect again all types of HPV.

We’re extending our services north…to Broulee!  From Tuesday 3rd October 2017 we’ll be welcoming our patients to Queen Street Medical Centre Broulee at 33 Clarke Street. “We are excited by our expansion to Broulee. It fits into our commitment to Banksia and allows us to continue to build on the local service initiated by Dr Tuckwell.” says Queen Street Medical partner Dr Steve Murray. Doctors Angela Bennett and Lisa Hyde will continue to consult from the practice which will be open for longer weekday hours from 8.30am to 5.00pm…

After two years of planning and construction South East Radiology’s MRI scanner was finally lowered by crane into its new home here at QSMC on Saturday 29 July. The MRI  is now fully operational and providing scanning services to patients.  This is a milestone in medical services for the Eurobodalla as patients needing an MRI scan have previously had to travel to Nowra, Canberra or Bega.

Despite recent claims of Medicare number hacks on the dark web, a Department of Health spokeswoman has assured that just having a Medicare card number does not allow My Health Record information to be accessed or hacked, despite some misinformation to the contrary. The Australian Digital Health Agency’s Digital Health Cyber Security Centre has controls in place to prevent a malicious attack…

About one in seven Australians, or 1.15 million people over the age of 50 have some evidence of Macular Degeneration (MD) which is the leading cause of blindness in Australians. The good news is that a diet high in leafy green vegetables, fish, nuts and seeds can reduce your risks – eating well can prevent or slow progression of this condition writes dietitian Carole Richards…

NSW Health is warning the public of a measles outbreak in western Sydney following confirmation of six further cases in the community. Dr Vicky Sheppeard, Director Communicable Diseases, NSW Health says “The recent cases reinforce the importance of getting vaccinated”.

Keen to have your say on health care? You are invited to share your views on our local Consumer Health Panel!

Thirty-seven dollars and five cents is the value this government places on up to twenty minutes of my time writes Sydney GP Dr Elizabeth Oliver. This figure, the amount a practice receives from Medicare for a standard consultation, has not changed in four years, and under the current arrangement, will not change for another three. I myself receive sixty five percent of that. But are the pennies well spent? Let’s see.