Emergency Department at Gumeracha to remain closed indefinitely
Doctors from the medical practices in Lobethal and Gumeracha have attended patients and emergencies at the Gumeracha District Soldiers Memorial Hospital (GDSMH) for decades, and we are well aware of how valued and important this service is to you all. It is a point of pride for us how many we have been able to help over the years.
However, as you may be aware, the medical sector in general and our little medical practice in particular, have been dealing with a number of headwinds in recent years. This has led to the current crisis in our medical workforce. We have spent years pleading with the health bureaucracy at all levels for assistance but have had no success. Both the State and Federal Ministers for Health have heard our case, and have not been moved to help.
The ongoing COVID-19 crisis has not made things easier.
Therefore, it is with great regret, that we must inform the community that for the foreseeable future we do not have enough independent, fully qualified doctors to staff the GDSMH Emergency Department in a safe manner. It will not be able to open until such time as we have more support and doctors available.
If you have concerns about the lack of Government support for your health service then please let our health bureaucrats and the politicians know. With an election coming up they might actually pay attention to what the community want.
Please know that we totally understand that this is disappointing for the community. We simply ask for understanding and support while we try our best to keep you, and us, healthy and safe.
If you have an emergency, call 000 24/7 Medical care is available at Modbury, Mt Barker, Gawler or Lyell McEwin Hospitals After Hours urgent ‘phone consult available from National Home Doctor Service - by calling 13 SICK. (13 7425) The Women’s and Children’s Hospital offers a virtual urgent care service: https://www.wch.sa.gov.au/patients-visitors/emergencies/virtual-urgent-care
A little bit of care for those affected by bushfires
People vary in the way they respond to this crisis, but over time, most people will recover and rebuild their lives. During what can be a prolonged recovery process, we need to care for others and ourselves. Some of the common reactions to disasters include:
fear, sadness or anger
feeling overwhelmed, numb, detached or withdrawn
difficulty focusing or concentrating
tearfulness
sleep problems
constant questioning
Sharing stories, caring for each other, checking in on others are simple ways that as a community we can support and care for those affected by the fires. We may also choose to donate to one of the registered charities collecting funds for the fire fighters or those affected by the fires. Finding ways to help others can often trigger healing and recovery for ourselves.
Here are some resources which you might find helpful:
Coping with loss and change in a community after a natural disaster:
Telephone Consultations now available to minimize the need for you to physically attend your routine appointments
Temporary closure of Emergency Department at Gumeracha Hospital to limit potential virus spread to nursing home residents there. For 24 hour advice contact Health Direct on 1800 022 222 or for out of hours non urgent care call 13 Sick (13 74 25).
GMP is committed to providing ongoing medical care for our community - this pandemic will pass, and we will get through it together.
Announcement - Practice Merger
Gumeracha Medical Practice and Lobethal Medical Centre are delighted to announce that from 1st February 2020, we will be combining to form one larger practice across two sites.
Why are we merging?
Individually we are both successful practices with similar, patient centred approaches to care, and a shared belief in making a continued positive difference to our patients.We feel it is the right time to take the opportunity to build and expand on our services by combining our efforts.
Business as Usual
From 1st February 2020 it will be ‘business as usual’ for our patients.All our patients from both practices will continue to access our services in exactly the same way as they do now.You will continue to ring the same telephone numbers, see and speak to the same receptionists, GPs and Nursing staff, and attend the same practice that you have always attended. Nothing will change.
What are the benefits?
More choice for our patients
We will be able to offer the choice of which site our patients are seen at, either Gumeracha or Lobethal. This will make it easier for you as patients to select an appointment time and location which best suits you.
More GPs and Nurses available to our patients
Our GP and Nursing teams all have specialist interests and additional skills. Working together will enable us to offer a wider service to all our patients.Although at present it will be ‘business as usual’, over time the two practices working closely together will increase the availability of GPs and Nurses across both practice sites.
It is necessary to make an appointment to discuss your itinerary and vaccination needs. In most cases, this is best done at least six weeks prior to your departure date.
Our doctors have access to up to date health recommendations for every country Appropriate vaccination can protect you from serious communicable diseases, so you can relax and enjoy your holiday. We can provide all the documentation you need to travel with medicine and scripts for while you are away.
Skin Checks
Prevention is better than cure – it is important to closely monitor any moles, sunspots or changes in your skin. All of our doctors are able to help you with routine check-ups and Dr Withnall has a special interest in this area.
Please let our receptionist know if you would like a full body check as we can allow a longer appointment for this.
Phone calls and emails
If you contact our doctors via phone or email please be aware you may not receive a same day response. If the matter is urgent please ensure you phone the practice and explain the situation to the reception staff so that we can follow it up for you.
Quality Assurance and your Privacy
Doctors in this practice take part in clinical audits from time to time, which help them improve the quality of care they provide to you. During a clinical audit, the doctor records information about the treatment of patients with a particular illness. None of this health information can identify the patient.
Your doctor may participate in clinical audits on medicines run by NPS MedicineWise. Please be assured that all information collected, used and stored remains anonymous to comply with the Australian Privacy Principles.
Longer Appointments Available
Please let our reception staff know if you need a bit longer time with your doctor. We usually book standard appointments of 15 minutes, but there are often times when it is best to schedule a longer time. Examples of this are for complex conditions, full check ups, counselling etc.
We really appreciate knowing in advance if you need extra time, this allows us to manage your health better and also decreases waiting times for others. You will receive a higher Medicare rebate for a longer consultation, but will have exactly the same out of pocket expense as for a standard attendance.
Online Booking, SMS Reminders & Recalls HotDoc
From August 2018 - We are pleased to offer easy online bookings and SMS reminders for appointments and secure health messages to remind you of important health checks via
In light of recent ACCC press release regarding legal proceedings against another online booking provider, we would like to take a moment to reassure all patients and practices that HotDoc is not part of these legal proceedings and has never sold or shared patients information to third parties for advertising purposes.
Our purpose is to enable the best possible healthcare experience for everyone in Australia and part of that is ensuring patients privacy and security is managed with the highest regard.