Bendigo doctors: Meet some of the great GPs working in our bulk-billed clinics

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Wednesday 16 January 2019

Written by Rod

Our GPs are all about looking after you and the community.

Consumer care is a top priority at Bendigo Community Health Services and we're lucky to have a range of GPs who follow this strategic direction.

Our GPs work from bulk-billed medical clinics at our Eaglehawk, Bendigo Central and Kangaroo Flat sites.

Meet some of our great GPs here:

Dr Haris Noor

BCHS sites: Eaglehawk and Kangaroo Flat.

Dr Noor has been working as a rural doctor around Bendigo since 2013 and enjoys all aspects of medicine with special interests in child and adolescent health.

After graduating and obtaining my medical degree from Monash University in 2012, Dr Noor worked at Bendigo Hospital in various specialty areas before gaining further experience in child and adolescent care to pursue this special interest.

He worked as a Paediatric Registrar for 18 months at Bendigo Hospital, Dandenong Hospital and Casey Hospital caring for newborns, infants, children, and adolescents while completing the Diploma in Child Health (DCH). 

Dr Noor then started post-graduate specialist GP training and worked in primary health care at Castlemaine and at the local hospital attending patients at the Urgent Care and Acute Ward as a visiting medical officer.

Now in his final year of specialist training as a GP Registrar, Dr Noor is working towards gaining a Fellowship with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).

He also works part-time in the Bendigo Health emergency department while completing the Emergency Medicine Certificate through the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM). 

Dr Noor is a bit of a thrill seeker in his spare time, embracing his adventureous side to go camping, road-tripping, hiking, wake-boarding or paragliding.

Special interests:

• Child & Adolescent Health
• Men's Health
• LGBTI Health
• Preventative Health
• Hepatitis C treatment
• HIV PrEP prescription
• Therapeutic musculoskeletal injections
• Minor skin surgeries

Book an appointment to see Dr Noor at our Eaglehawk site:  https://www.bchs.com.au/book-online

Dr Gary Bourke

Site: Kangaroo Flat and Eaglehawk.

Dr Bourke is all about Bendigo having grown up in the city.

His Swiss-Italian, Chinese, Irish, English and German ancestry dates back four generations in the Bendigo and the Goldfields region.

Dr Bourke has been a doctor in Bendigo for more than 30 years and did focus on GP anaesthetics and GP obstetrics for a long time before stopping a few years ago to focus on GP paediatrics at our Kangaroo Flat site and spending time in Bendigo Health emergency department.

Dr Bourke has four adult children.

Away from work he spends his time bushwalking and listening to all kinds of music.

Special interests:

• Paediatric care
• Antenatal care
• Drug and alcohol problems
• Aboriginal health

Book an appointment to see Dr Bourke at our Kangaroo Flat site:  https://www.bchs.com.au/book-online

Doctors in Schools: How to access this program in Loddon Mallee and Bendigo

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Wednesday 16 January 2019

Written by Rod

Doctors In Schools is a partnership between Bendigo Community Health Services, Murray Primary Health Network and the Victorian Government’s Department of Education and Training.

What is the Doctors In Schools Program and how can this help me?

The Doctors in Schools Program offers care, assessment and information on issues such as general health, mental health and wellbeing or sexual health for students.

Some of the reasons you might want to visit the clinic are:

Does my school take part in the Doctors In Schools Program?

The following schools host a Bendigo Community Health Services clinic at present:

Please check www.bchs.com.au to see if any new schools have been added to the original list.

How do I access the clinic?

The Doctors in Schools Program is available to students of a host school and is designed to improve access to healthcare for adolescent health issues.

Students are welcome to drop into the clinic during morning tea or lunch for a chat.

How do I make a booking?

You can make an appointment through the school or by calling BCHS on 5434 4300.

Can I make a booking online?

Yes, you can book online at www.bchs.com.au by clicking on the appointment bar at the top of the homepage. Please make sure you select only GPs who are part of the Doctors In Schools Program and double check they will be attending your school on that day. Please be aware when you book online a reminder SMS will be sent 24 hours before your appointment to the mobile number you provide.

Is my appointment confidential?

Yes, all care provided through the Doctors In Schools Program is confidential.

BCHS follows strict privacy laws.

What sort of feedback do you get about Doctors In Schools?

Here's some of the feedback we have received from students and schools about the Doctors In Schools program?

"It’s so good to be able to see the doctor and not have to miss any school."

"Having the appointments has really helped me, as it has given me exercises and strategies to deal with my anxiety."

"There is a lot going on for young people, sometimes it’s hard to make decisions. I have been able to learn some techniques to help me and have been able to be more positive."

What if my school isn't involved in the Doctors In Schools program?

Bendigo Community Health Services offers services for young people in areas such as mental health, sexual and reproductive health and general health.

You can access one of our bulk-billed medical clinics at Eaglehawk, Central Bendigo or Kangaroo Flat by calling our Client Services staff during business hours on 5448 1600.

You can book online at anytime by visiting www.bchs.com.au and clicking on the appointment bar at the top of the homepage.

BCHS has a sexual and reproductive health clinic, women’s health clinic and men’s health clinic at our Central Bendigo and Eaglehawk sites.

headspace Bendigo supports young people aged between 12 and 25 from the Bendigo site at 78-80 Pall Mall. Call headspace on (03) 5434 5345.

What else does Bendigo Community Health Services offer my family and I?

Bendigo Community Health Services is a place you can go for health care, no matter who you are, where you live or how much you earn.

We are a not-for-profit organisation with more than 50 health and wellbeing services available mostly free of charge but some at minimal cost.

Our main services include bulk-billed medical practices, men’s health, women’s health, allied health, child and family services, settlement services, sexual health, mental health and counselling, alcohol and other drugs.

Learn all about our services at www.bchs.com.au

Extreme heat: A few tips to get you through a tough week for Bendigo

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Monday 14 January 2019

Written by Rod

It's going to be a stinker in Bendigo this week! When extreme heat conditions are forecast it's important people consider a heat health action plan ...

Last updated: January 14, 2019, at 9am.

The temperatures in Bendigo are going to sit in the early 40s for the next three days.

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are serious conditions occurring when the body’s temperature rises and the internal organs start to shut down.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion range from muscle cramps, dizziness and nausea to vomiting and fainting.

The risk of heat stress is higher for young children as they sweat quicker than adults and are less likely to be able to tell you they are dehydrated.

There are simple things people can do to prevent their children from suffering dehydration, heat stress or worse.

Make sure they are drinking water rather than sport drinks or fruit juices and if you’re worried they might be dehydrated, ask them when they last went to the toilet. If it’s been a few hours then they’re not drinking enough. If it’s been over six hours then they are likely to be dehydrated.

Here is some general health information for extreme heat conditions.

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Kim Sykes takes time to reflect as Bendigo Community Health Services CEO role ends

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Friday 11 January 2019

Written by Rod

Bendigo Community Health Services bids farewell to CEO Kim Sykes today.

Kim has spent 8.5 years overseeing the organisation.

She returns to Melbourne to live closer to her adult children and begins her next exciting challenge with the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Foundation on Monday.

New strategic directions, a $2.9 million kidzspace hub and the establishment of quality refugee settlement services in Bendigo sit among the many memories and highlights of Kim’s time with Bendigo Community Health Services.

But when it comes to what make her most proud the answer is quickfire … staff.

“We have such a dedicated team at Bendigo Community Health Services who are passionate about supporting the people they work with and making their lives better. Every day brings a new highlight for me in what the staff are achieving to make both BCHS and their community better. It’s been a privilege for me to be part of their work and the achievements made through their expertise and dedication. They are the strength of BCHS,” Kim said.

The set of Strategic Directions developed three years ago with the Board of Directors that focuses Bendigo Community Health Services on seriously tackling disadvantage forms a big part of the legacy Kim leaves.

It was considered the greatest change taken on by the organisation in 40 years.

The Strategic Directions were set after extensive research of programs making a difference across the world, a consultation process with staff at all levels and the Bendigo Community Health Services board who have committed the organisation to their achievement.

“Our current Strategic Directions focus the organisation to concentrate on early years, early intervention and the prevention of entrenched disadvantage by interrupting that cycle of disadvantage which is seen in too many areas of Bendigo,” Kim said.

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Bendigo flu injections: We can help your business with a vaccination program

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Tuesday 8 January 2019

Written by Rod

Did you know that influenza can seriously affect your workplace? 

Protecting against the flu is a great thing for any business to do for the health and wellbeing of staff.

Employees with influenza can take an average of two weeks to recover so vaccinating staff can stop loss of productivity and reduce absenteeism.

The problem for a workplace is that the flu can be contagious before any symptoms show. So it is easy to spread influenza on to other staff members in the workplace. Vaccination is a great way of protecting your staff and your business

Research shows that for every $20 a business spends on staff vaccinations you can save $115 in reducing lost productivity and downtime (comcare.gov.au).  

Know your business is safe and your staff are protected against the flu. 

Bendigo Community Health Services is your local not for profit provider of primary health services, providing professional health and community services to the Bendigo community for over 40 years. Our professional doctors and nurses are experienced, credentialed and trained to deal with vaccinations and medical needs of all kinds. At BCHS you get more than a flu shot you get the opportunity to invest into the health and wellbeing of our local community.

Following on from the last flu season, we will continue to offer two options to better manage your business needs.

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BCHS Calendar 2019: Our services, sites and dates for your year ahead

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Friday 4 January 2019

Written by Rod

Welcome to 2019.

You can't have enough calendars around the house right?

Well, we've put together a little calendar for 2019 just for you.

It's got a list of our services that can help you and your family and where you can find our sites across Bendigo too.

Oh, you'll see a few images of some of our great staff as well just to add a bit of creativity.

Download your 2019 BCHS Calendar right here:   pdf Bendigo Community Health Services calendar 2019 (2.34 MB)

Thanks for your support!

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Heartwarming Bendigo birthday gesture supports multicultural refugee families

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Monday 31 December 2018

Written by Rod

Heartwarming acts of generosity and kindness remind us our community is home to some special people.

Take Jac Torres-Gomez and her six-year-old daughter Bella for example.

We had a little mystery going on when all these wonderful cash donations suddenly started arriving at Bendigo Community Health Services through the GiveNow fundraising page.

Turns out Jac and Bella had been talking about refugees in Bendigo and decided to celebrate a birthday they would contact family and friends with a special request:

“So ... I have a birthday coming up in a few weeks. I tend to get a bit reflective on my birthday and about my life and my place in the world around this time.  It might only seem a small thing to do but this year I would like to put some energy into supporting two refugee families newly arriving to Bendigo through Bendigo Community Health Services with clothing, bedding, school books and some basic personal hygiene products. Can anyone chip in a few birthday dollars to support these families too? My goal is $250.”

Jac said the conversation had come about because she wanted to share with Bella an understanding about our friends in Greater Bendigo from refugee backgrounds.

“One of Bella’s best friends at school is from a refugee background, so this meant a lot to her for this reason,’’ Jac said.

“People were INCREDIBLY generous, sending contributions from Bendigo and Victoria and as far as Sydney, Perth and Denmark in Scandinavia. It was really beautiful!”

Jac and Bella’s generosity saw them easily beat their fundraising target.

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Hepatitis A free vaccination program extended to June 30, 2019

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Thursday 27 December 2018

Written by Rod

Victoria's Chief Health Officer has extended the free two-dose hepatitis A vaccination program in Victoria to June 30, 2019.

The program is open to all men who have sex with men, people who have injected drugs in the past 12 months, homeless and adult prisoners.

Victoria has recorded 211 confirmed cases of hepatitis A up to Novbember 23, 2018, with 10 further probable cases and 13 possible cases.

Sadly, two people have died from hepatitis A during this year's outbreak.

Bendigo Community Health Services provides free vaccinations for hepatitis A and B, meningococcal and human papillomavirus (HPV)meningococcal and human papillomavirus (HPV) through our Sexual Health Clinic.

We can also provide PrEP medication to combat HIV from our GPs or Men's Health Clinic.

PrEP was listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme in April 2018 making the drug more affordable and accessible to Victorians.

Evidence shows that when taken daily PrEP can reduce the risk of HIV transmission by up to 99 per cent.

Together with condoms, frequent and regular sexual health screening and effective treatments for people living with HIV, Victorians have more resources than ever to prevent HIV.

BCHS is supporting people from as far afield as Shepparton, Horsham and Seymour to receive PrEP.

We also host a PRONTO! rapid HIV testing clinic in partnership with Thorne Harbor and Burnet Institute.

For information on our Sexual Health Clinic, Men's Health Clinic or Women's Health Clinic please visit www.bchs.com.au or call (03) 5448 1600 to make an appointment.

Christmas and New Year: Some tips from our teams for getting through the festive period

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Monday 24 December 2018

Written by Rod

The Christmas and New Year period is a time to enjoy with family and friends.

It’s also traditionally a time when people are rushing about, a little stressed and perhaps over indulge a tad with food and refreshments.

So, with all that in mind we asked some of our great teams for advice on how you can get through the next week or so.

We're keen for you to remember that while keeping an exercise routine through the holiday period can be challenging it’s important to stick at it.

“If possible, go for a stroll around the block or play some backyard cricket in between feasting. Even a short burst of physical activity will boost your metabolism and work off a few extra Christmas calories. Evening walks are ideal at this time of year,” said Kaye Graves.

Here's a little recipe for working off your indulgences:

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Bendigo Community Health Services appoints new chief executive officer

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Friday 21 December 2018

Written by Rod

Bendigo Community Health Services has appointed Gerard José as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Mr José comes to BCHS after four years as Chief Executive Officer with Mildura Rural City Council.

He will start with BCHS early in 2019 when present CEO Kim Sykes finishes after more than eight years in the role.

BCHS Board of Directors Chair Geoff Bowyer said Mr José was selected after an extensive recruitment process that included support from Fisher Leadership.

“The board is confident Gerard has the experience and leadership skills to ensure Bendigo Community Health Services can continue to grow and support our community, particularly the vulnerable and disadvantaged,” Mr Bowyer said.

“Gerard impressed the board with his strong background in leadership and strong affiliation with regional Victoria.

“We believe Gerard is a very engaging leader who will draw on the strengths of existing staff and further those strengths. He will be a great mentor.

“As we come to the end of our present three-year Strategic Directions, we see 2019 as an important time for BCHS as we finalise a new plan for the future of the organisation and Gerard will be critical to that process.

“We’re proud of what BCHS has achieved under the quality leadership of Kim Sykes and we look forward to continuing to build our services and programs to care for the Bendigo community with Gerard’s guidance and initiatives.”

Mr José said the BCHS CEO role provided a great opportunity to work with very talented staff to gain an understanding of the community health and well-being issues and improve our community’s quality of life.

“The Board impressed me with their passion to work in partnership with others in our region to create healthier outcomes and meet needs in a systemic way,” Mr José said.

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