New GP additions to the Mead family
Mead is excited to introduce Dr Sadaf Rasool, both whom are commencing with us in March, after a big loss of GPs over the last 18 months we are now nearing the same level which will result in our patients being able to now get a timely appointment with your Doctor of choice.
RACGP Superisor of the Year Award 2021
Kalamunda doctor wins prestigious award
Posted by: The Editorial Team in General News 3 hours ago 5 Views
By Melissa Sheil
MEAD Medical Centre in Kalamunda can now boast they employ one of the best doctors in Western Australia.
Rebecca Hunt-Davies was announced as the best General Practioner (GP) supervisor in the state by the Royal Australian College of General Practioners (RACGP) last week in its annual awards program.
“I was surprised when my practice manager said she had nominated me for the award since I’ve only been a supervisor for 12 months – and even more surprised when I was told I won,” she said.
“As a mum of two young children and wife to a FIFO husband, juggling home life and part time general practice commitments hasn’t always been easy but I like to think I have become a leader, mentor and role model for a steady stream of registrars at the practice.
“I really couldn’t do it without the support of my colleagues at Mead, who are so wonderful and helpful.”
Alongside working as a part time GP, Dr Hunt-Davies assists three new coming GP’s, or registrars in their training, providing support, guidance and tutorials throughout the working day.
“I try and answer their questions, make sure they feel safe and supported and assess their progress as they move into the general practice setting,” she said.
“Though most registrars have two to five years of hospital experience, transitioning into a GP role can be quite different as there is a lot more diagnosis and trying to understand the symptoms of an initial presentation involved.”
RACGP president Karen Price congratulated the WA winners.
“This year’s winners from Western Australia have truly gone above and beyond for their patients and contributed to the health of their communities,” she said.
State winners are now in the running for a national award announced on November 20.
Congratulations – Winner of the 2021 RACGP Supervisor of the Year
Congratulations to Dr Rebecca Hunt-Davies on winning this years RACGP supervisor of the year. Rebecca has had a huge positive impact on our training program and has assisted our new GPs to navigate the challenging world that is General Practice, empowering them with the skills and resilience needed to continue in their careers. All whilst coping with the added pressures bought about by the Pandemic and juggling her own family commitments.
https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/racgp/racgp-2021-state-winners-announced?fbclid=IwAR2A8Bf1NvefoeKs8q4e92uRJEI_SNrDp8L-EuEljH_qnisHTP2ZgRqEJ2Y
Important COVID-19 Vaccinations Update
Due to a significant increase of incoming calls since the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic, you may experience long wait times or delays in responding to your call. We apologise and Thank you for your ongoing patience and understanding. Unfortunately, this is not within our control. If you query is in relation to booking an appointment, we recommend you book through HOTDOC or via our website where possible.
Mead Medical are currently running Astra Zeneca vaccination sessions for anyone over 60 years of age at both of our sites on the weekends, this is to ensure that we do not reduce the number of regular appointment spots during the week for our patients. Please visit the online eligibility checker to determine whether you meet the criteria to receive this vaccination. You can book online via HOTDOC or our website. Please ensure you have completed a consent form when you arrive for your vaccine.
If you are under 60 and have already had your first dose of Astra Zeneca, you will need to continue to have your second dose with the same brand – you can not swap to Pfizer or any other brand.
We do intend to deliver the Pfizer vaccination once it is available to general practice however you will still need to meet the eligibility criteria to receive this. If you are under 60 and would like to organise your Pfizer vaccination earlier, this can currently be done through High Wycombe GP, Victoria Park GP or alternatively you can visit the WA Health website for alternate locations (https://rollup.wa.gov.au/articles/book-your-COVID-19-vaccination).
During times of community outbreak, all patients will be triaged before entering our Practice. Any patient’s with flu like symptoms must book a telehealth appointment with your GP prior to attending the practice, then your GP will determine whether a car consultation is appropriate and advise accordingly.
We as a practice would like to acknowledge our patients and their continued efforts in helping minimize viral infections in general. We understand that whilst our State is currently in a low risk Pandemic phase, this does not mean that we are able to let our guard down in ensuring it remains this way by remaining vigilant and cautious. It would be easy to say we are low risk and therefore no longer require screening of people presenting with symptoms however mild, however this is how other States continue to end up in predicaments that lead to shut down of businesses /lockdowns.
The new strains are fast spreading and highly contagious and as a result Mead Medical continues to triage all patients and any presentations of even mild symptoms with caution until we can properly rule out Covid-19. This means that you may be asked to wait in your car until the GP can carry out an assessment, and if deemed necessary get Covid tested by appropriate providers.
We understand this may not always be convenient but then neither is another Covid outbreak. Our patients and staff are our highest priority and by continuing this cautious approach we have been able to continue to operate and provide care during the past lockdowns.
COVID Vaccination Appointments – Update
Extra Astra Zeneca COVID vaccination appointments have now been opened up due to additional stock being provided.
Please book an appointment online via HOTDOC
Please note that we hope to have the Pfizer vaccinations in stock within the next month.
Covid 19 Update – Thank You
We as a practice would like to acknowledge our patients and their continued efforts in helping minimise viral infections in general. We understand that whilst our State is currently in a low risk Pandemic phase, this does not mean that we are able to let our guard down in ensuring it remains this way by remaining vigilant and cautious. It would be easy to say we are low risk and therefore no longer require screening of people presenting with symptoms however mild, however this is how other States continue to end up in predicaments that lead to shut down of businesses /lockdowns.
The new strains are fast spreading and highly contagious and as a result Mead Medical continues to triage all patients and any presentations of even mild symptoms with caution until we can properly rule out Covid-19. This means that you may be asked to wait in your car until the GP can carry out an assessment, and if deemed necessary get Covid tested by appropriate providers.
We understand this may not always be convenient but then neither is another Covid outbreak. Our patients and staff are our highest priority and by continuing this cautious approach we have been able to continue to operate and provide care during the past lockdowns.
We thank you for your ongoing patience during these unprecedented times.
FLU VACCINES FOR ALL AGES NOW AVAILABLE
Flu vaccines for all ages now available, please book online via HOTDOC to avoid long waits on the phone.
Please note that due to an EXTREME increase of call demands you will experience long waits when contacting our practices by phone.
Your patience is greatly appreciated whilst our staff do their best to get to your call in a timely manner.
If your call is in relation to either a flu or Covid vaccination booking please book online. Extra sessions have now been opened.
You are able to contact us via email on admin@meadmedical.com.au for non-urgent matters.
Click here for Forrestfield HotDoc booking.
Click here for Kalamunda HotDoc booking.
IMPORTANT COVID VACCINATION UPDATE
As per the previous ATAGI statement on 2 April, please note that it has been recommended that all community members under 50 receive the Pfizer vaccine rather than the Astra Zeneca, please see following information.
Any patients currently booked in for their first dose of Astra Zeneca will be cancelled and receive an SMS. If you still wish to proceed you will need to book in with your regular GP and discuss the options and risks.
What is this side effect that everyone is talking about associated with the AstraZeneca vaccine?
There is evidence of a likely link between the AstraZeneca vaccine and an extremely rare blood clotting syndrome (thrombosis with thrombocytopenia).
The recommendation from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) is that use of Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer) is preferred over AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in adults under 50 years old who have not already had a first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine.
Is the AstraZeneca vaccine safe?
Yes. The individual benefit-to-risk balance of vaccination with the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine varies with age. This balance is based on factors including the increased risk of complications from COVID-19 with increasing age and the potential lower risk of this very rare, but serious, adverse event with increasing age. ATAGI has recommended the AstraZeneca vaccine remains safe to be given to people aged 50 years and over.
I have had my first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine, what do I do now?
If you have had your first vaccine dose without this side effect or other serious adverse effects, you should receive your second dose as planned.
What if I am worried about side effects?
If you have recently had your first vaccine dose and are experiencing any side effects that you are worried about, I can book an appointment for you to see your doctor.
I’m booked in for my first dose of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, what do I do?
If you are an adult aged under 50 years, you should only receive a first dose of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine where the benefit of receiving the vaccine clearly outweighs the risk in your individual circumstance. You may wish to discuss your individual benefit-to-risk balance with your doctor.
Generally, if you have not already received a first dose of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, then the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is preferred in adults aged under 50 years.
Information about how to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine will be available on the Department of Health website shortly.
If you would like to talk about this with your doctor, I can make an appointment for you now.
If you are 50 years of age or older, you can still receive your AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.
COVID-19 VACCINATION SESSION BOOKINGS
COVID-19 VACCINATION SESSION BOOKINGS NOW OPEN AT BOTH CENTRES
Please book online via HOTDOC or call practice – long delays may be expected on phones due to high volume of incoming calls, your patience is appreciated. To reduce delays please book online.
All documentation must be lodged with Mead Medical PRIOR to your booked appointment.
Lodge your completed forms by emailing to covidready@meadmedical.com.au or handing in to reception.
- Consent form
- Proof of eligibility of Chronic disease if not a regular patient of Mead Medical
Forms are available on our website or at reception. Immunisations can not be carried out without completed documentation.
Kalamunda
- Thursday 1st April: 6pm – 8pm
- Saturday 10th April: 3pm – 5pm
- Sunday 11th April: 3pm – 5pm
Forrestfield
- Saturday 17th April: 1pm -3pm
- Saturday 24th April: 1pm -3pm
Please refer to HOTDOC for further sessions post these dates.
VACCINATION CLINIC – COVID-19
Mead Medical would like to advise that we have been nominated as a community vaccination practice.
This means that any community members who fall under the Phase 1b as follows will be able to attend our practice for your immunisation program. It will be very important to ensure that you stick with the same practice for both of your immunisations as the second dose will be held in quarantine for you which will be 12 weeks post your first dose. A reminder will be sent for your 2nd jab via SMS.
You will need to check your eligibility for this first phase by clicking on the following link:
https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility
- Elderly adults aged 70 years and over
- Other health care workers
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over 55 years
- Adults with an underlying medical condition, including those with a disability
- Critical and high-risk workers including defence, police, fire, emergency services and meat processing
VACCINES ARE NOT YET AVAILABLE IN PRACTICE. We will notify all current patients via SMS when the vaccine is available as well as on our website and Facebook page for community members.
