Medical fitness to drive

If you apply or renew your Queensland driver licence, you must notify The Department of Transport about any medical condition that is likely to adversely affect your ability to drive safely.

You must notify The Department of Transport if after you get or renew your Queensland driver licence you develop a permanent or long-term medical condition, or if you have a permanent or long-term increase in, or other aggravation of a medical condition that is likely to affect your ability to drive safely.

If your condition is temporary you don’t need to notify us unless the medical condition becomes long-term or permanent and is likely to adversely affect your ability to drive safely.

If you do not notify The Department of Transport about your medical condition, you may receive a maximum court-imposed fine of more than $7,800 and your driver licence may be cancelled.

Your health professional is legally permitted to notify us about your medical condition.

Medical conditions

Some of the more common medical conditions that are likely to affect your ability to drive safely include:

• blackouts
• diabetes
• eye or vision problems
• heart disease
• neurological – dementia, stroke, seizures or epilepsy
• psychiatric disorders
• sleep disorders
• alcohol or drug dependency

Drivers 75 and over are subject to regular medical assessments as well.

This means that if you are 75 or over, and want to keep driving, you must go back to your doctor at least once per year.  This does not affect the expiry date of your driver’s license, which is shown on your driver’s licence.

In some cases, your doctor may want to undertake more regular checks, and your Medical Certificate may be issued for a shorter period.  If you doctor issues a medical certificate for longer than 13 months, you may only use the certificate for 13 months from the issue date.

Permanent or long-term medical conditions

You need to have your medical fitness to drive assessed if you develop a permanent or long-term medical condition, or an increase in or change to an existing medical condition, that is likely to adversely affect your ability to drive safely.

If you are uncertain about your medical condition, and the impact it may have on your ability to drive safely, we recommend that you consult your health professional.

There are 2 medical standards:

• private vehicle driver standard
• commercial vehicle standard.

You will be assessed against the standard of driver licence that you hold or apply for and the purpose for which you drive, or plan to drive.

You must respond truthfully to questions from health professionals regarding your health status.

Drivers Medical’s cannot be booked online, as you need to see one of our nurses first, who will conduct some tests on you, before seeing a doctor.  For long term medical conditions and medications, it is best practice to always try and see your usual doctor, or if they are away, someone else in the practice who has seen you before and can review your medical file with you on the day.

Specialist assessment

Some medical conditions need assessment by a specialist qualified in managing your particular medical condition. Your general practitioner will refer you to a specialist who will undertake further assessment of your medical condition and provide a report back to your general practitioner.

If you can’t see a specialist and you have been assessed by your health professional as not meeting the criteria to hold an unconditional licence, talk to your health professional about whether you meet the criteria to hold a conditional licence.

While waiting for the specialist assessment, you may be permitted to drive if:

• you have an appointment to see the relevant specialist at the earliest practicable opportunity

and

• in the opinion of your health professional your medical condition is not likely to lead to an acute incapacity, or loss of concentration before the assessment occurs.

What are the costs?

As driving is accepted as being a necessity, any medically required assessments (private vehicle driver) are covered by Medicare.  This means that a Medicare rebate is available, or if you are being bulk-billed there is no out of pocket expense.

Driving for work (commercial vehicle driver) is not covered by Medicare, and a fee is payable at time of the appointment.  You will be supplied with a Tax Invoice as this is a legitimate expense for your business or employment.

Commercial Drivers Fees (as of 1 July 2018)

• Basic Commercial:- $100.00 + GST
• Basic Commercial + Drug(instant) and Alcohol Screen(DAS):- $160 + GST
  • In the event of a positive DAS, the collected sample can be sent to the lab for an in-depth review. Payment of $150.00 plus GST is required before the sample can be sent
• Detailed Commercial + DAS + Physiometric Assessment:- $250 + GST

The easiest way to determine if you require a Commercial Drivers Assessment is if you are driving for work, or earn a living from your license.

Examples being:

• Bus Driver
• Truck Driver
• Taxi Driver
• Uber Driver
• Courier/Delivery Drier
• Limousine driver

For all Drivers Medicals, Private or Commercial, please call our amazing Medical Reception team on 07 4242 5300 and book a time with one of our nurses, and your usual or preferred Doctor.

For all other bookings, online is available by clicking here.

What happens with type 2 diabetes?

What causes type 2 diabetes?

Symptoms

Managing Type 2 Diabetes

For more information, or if you or someone you know has concerns regarding their health, call and make an appointment or book online today!

At Cairns Doctors, we understand that you can’t always make it during the week to see a Doctor, this is why we’re open Saturday’s.

We also understand that even this is not enough. So from this week, we’re open until 6pm Monday, Wednesday, and Friday’s!

☎ 4242 5300 or online http://ow.ly/QAph50hS1Sw

National Diabetes Week 2018

Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, Raising awareness, Health Professionals, Community events, Fundraising events

In their 50th year, Diabetes Queensland asks for your help to promote public awareness of all types of diabetes, the symptoms of diabetes and why a timely diabetes diagnosis makes a big difference.

It’s about time takes up our warning in 2017 that more than 100,000 Queenslanders have type 2 diabetes but don’t know it. We want everyone to know about type 2, check for type 2 and diagnose type 2 early.

It’s about time is a reminder that in 60 per cent of cases of type 2 diabetes, early diagnosis can prevent the onset of serious complications such as blindness, kidney or cardiovascular disease and lower limb amputations.

It’s about time identifies the sudden onset of type 1 diabetes and that any delay in a type 1 diagnosis increases the risk of the medical emergency of diabetic ketoacidosis.

In National Diabetes Week 2018, take time to learn the four ‘T’s of a type 1 diabetes diagnosis.

• Thirsty – really thirsty and unable to quench that thirst?
• Toilet – going to the toilet a lot?
• Tired – more tired than usual?
• Thinner – recently lost weight?

If you see these signs, see your doctor straight away.

Who is at risk?

Many Australians are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. While family history and genetics play a role, your lifestyle can also have a significant effect on whether you develop type 2 diabetes.

Your risk for type 2 diabetes is higher if you:

• Have a family history type 2 diabetes
• Developed diabetes during pregnancy
• Are more than 40 years of age
• Are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent
• Don’t get enough exercise
• Have high blood pressure
• Are overweight, measured as body mass index > 25 (weight/height²)
• Have a waist measurement above 94cm for men, or 80cm for women
• Have a poor diet, containing too much fatty and sugary food

You can reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by:

• Reducing the amount of kilojoules (fat and sugar) in your diet
• Eating healthy foods, including fresh fruit and vegetables
• Losing weight (if you are overweight)
• Exercising for 30 minutes each day, and
• Reducing your alcohol intake

If you are concerned that yourself or someone else is at risk of becoming diabetic, call and make an appointment 07 4242 5300 or online here

If you are over 40, call and ask our friendly reception staff to book you in with one of our Nurses and your usual Doctor for a health assessment today! 07 4242 5300

What can I ask my GP about incontinence?

Few people relish the thought of discussing their toilet habits with a GP. You should never feel embarrassed about discussing incontinence with a doctor. They are professionally-trained to relate to such matters.

Doctors are accustomed to dealing with issues of an intimate nature, including bladder and bowel problems. Do not let nerves stop you from taking the first step. The first time you discuss it is the hardest. But the more you talk about it, the easier it will become.

So how do you start the conversation?

The first step to improve your incontinence is to open the discussion with your doctor. Come to your appointment prepared with information about your bladder and bowel. Your doctor will not be in a position to help you unless you tell them what is happening to your body. You know your body, your routines, and you can identify changes in how you feel, better than anyone else. Your input is vital.

Before your appointment, it may help to think about and discuss with your GP:

• How often does the incontinence occur?
• Is it bladder or bowel incontinence?
• When did it start?
• What times of the day is the incontinence worse?
• Is there complete saturation, or just a small amount of urine or faeces?
• Do you have a fever? Or have you found it painful to go to the toilet?
• Is passing a bowel motion painful?
• What prescription and over-the-counter medication are you taking, if any?

                Questions you may wish to ask your GP:

• What type or type/s of incontinence do you suspect I have?
• What type of bowel problem do I have?
• Might my incontinence be associated with heredity factors, lifestyle, medications, pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, or another medical condition?
• If my incontinence is related to an underlying medical condition, will treatment for this condition improve my symptoms?
• What types of diagnostic tests will help determine the type and severity of my incontinence?
• Should I keep a bladder and bowel diary?
• Without treatment, would you expect my symptoms to
  • Gradually improve?
  • Remain about the same?
  • Continue to worsen?

• What steps (eg. diet and lifestyle changes) can I take to help manage my condition?
• How can I reduce my risk for rashes, odours, and other conditions associated with incontinence?
• Do you recommend pelvic floor muscle exercises? If so, how do I perform these exercises correctly?
• Why do you recommend this treatment?
• What can I expect before, during, and after treatment?
• If this treatment is unsuccessful, what other options are available?
• What are the potential side effects of incontinence medications? What should I do if I experience severe side effects?
• If my incontinence is related to menopause, might hormone replacement therapy (HRT) be helpful?
• If I continue to experience incontinence, what other options for treatment are available?

Make an appointment today by calling 4242 5300 or by booking online here, and start the conversation today!

National Continence Helpline

Another option is to call the National Continence Helpline 1800 33 00 66.

You can speak to, or email your enquiry, to a qualified continence nurse adviser for confidential, expert advice. Ask them about continence products, and federal and state government subsidy schemes. They can also mail you printed information resources about incontinence. The Helpline can also provide you with information about your local continence service or clinic. It operates Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm (AEST).

Continence services and clinics

These are specialist services where you can obtain a full assessment of your bladder or bowel problems. These services usually have a continence nurse adviser or continence physiotherapist who can advise you on possible management options.

Ask the National Continence Helpline 1800 33 00 66 for the nearest service near you.

Cairns Doctors needs you to join us today!

Current positions vacant:

Practice Nurse – RN (as advertised on Seek here)

Medical Administration

We are currently looking for an experienced Medical Receptionist/Administrator to join our team.

The role is to cover a mixture of set shifts per week as well as covering Sick Leave and Annual Leave vacancies.

The roster covers from 07:30 – 18:00 Monday to Friday, and Saturday’s from 07:30 – 16:30.

Hours will expand in line with Practice opening hours, but for the moment we are closed Sunday’s and Public Holidays.

Medical Practitioners

We are seeking to work with Medical Practitioners across a number of disciplines to help as to keep up with growing demand and to support a healthy community.

Cairns Doctors needs General Practitioners to cover Monday to Friday, Saturday’s along with potential for Sunday’s, late afternoon/early evening shifts, and Public Holidays in the near future (Perfect for 19ab/DWS Doctors).

Specialist Clinics:

Cairns Doctors was designed and built with Specialists in mind.  A second floor is currently under design, which will augment the existing 15 consult, and three procedure rooms downstairs, allowing for the most diverse and multi-disciplinary health centre outside of a Hospital.

In particular, Cairns Doctors would like to work with:

• Dermatologists
• Industrial and Environmental Physicians
• Sexual Health Physician
• Sports Medicine Specialist
• and many more

If you are interested, send through your CV to our Business Manager, Mr Adam Maher here

SETTING THE BAR IN HEALTH & LIFESTYLE DESTINATIONS!

Barr St Markets has revolutionalised the local health and lifestyle landscape by creating a hub of wellbeing inspiration for young and old!

The concept behind locally owned Barr St Markets was to create a purpose-built space where local health professionals and health related businesses could operate individually, but within a community environment with a common goal – to provide a convenient destination for locals to source reliable health advice, health related products and complimentary services under the one roof.

Taking mainstage at Barr St Markets is Wholehealth Discount Drug Store and Healthfoods, Australia’s first pharmacy to offer a true, holistic approach to health and well-being. With a wide ranges of natural and organic products across skincare, beauty, healthfoods and nutrition, Wholehealth Discount Drug Store and Healthfoods have the largest footprint on the retail floor at Barr St Markets.

Locally owned and operated, Wholehealth Discount Drug Store and Healthfoods care about the whole health of you and your family and ensure that they offer the biggest range and lowest prices possible, seven days a week. The staff are friendly and only too happy to share their extensive health knowledge and guide you around the largest discount chemist with a price match guarantee.

Keeping good company, Wholehealth Discount Drug Store and Healthfoods is flanked by Naked Foods, Australia’s leading Bulk Organic Health Food Store that provides an abundance of great tasting, wholesome and nourishing food. Buy by the bag or buy by the jar, you know when you’ve bought it from Naked Foods every mouthful is going to be good for you and better for the environment.

Also nestled amongst the Wholehealth aisles you will discover ASN Cairns – Australian Sports Nutrition Cairns provides customers with easy access to the best quality supplements at the right price and with the right advice. ASN are the world’s most advanced protein and supplement manufacturer. They produce the most powerful and elite supplements using only natural and pure ingredients to help you obtain the body and fitness you desire.

Boldly positioned amongst the hair and cosmetics aisles you will find Jo and the team at Savvy & Co Hair. Passionate and experienced, these stylists don’t do things by halves! They do cuts and they do colour – It’s always personalised and it’s always current. Savvy & Co are an authorized Paul Mitchell Professional Salon and a proud stockiest of Australian made hair care brand, ELEVEN.

Discreetly tucked away upstairs you will find Terry Hall who has been honing her cosmetic nursing skills for over 10 years in preparation for opening her own cosmetic service business, Ageless Cosmetic Bar. Terry is professional but approachable and has a wealth of experience in creating natural looking results using the latest techniques and the latest technology. Whether you are looking for a full face, non surgical rejuvenation, subtle anti-wrinkle injections, lip or cheek enhancements or to treat sun damage, skin laxity and acne scarring, Ageless Cosmetic Bar have the experience, qualifications and products to give you the confidence you need to get out there.

Proudly locally owned and operated, Cairns Doctors has been supporting Cairns since 2013. In identifying the benefits of being located at Barr St Markets, the practice moved there in July 2017.

The practice welcomes patients of all ages and cares for patients with a wide range of medical conditions through Specialist Clinics provided by our Sexual Health Physician, Geriatrician and Stroke Physician and with our GP’s and Practitioners providing General Practice and Special Interest clinics which include: Women’s Health, Family Health, Ante/Post Natal Care, Pregnancy Options, Sexual & Reproductive Health, Indigenous Health, Skin Cancer, Mental Health, Pain Management, Addiction Medicine, Allergies, Diabetes, and Chronic Disease.

These services are further supported by visiting Neurologists from Townsville Neurosciences, four psychologists providing a range of support, and Sullivan & Nicolaides for all your pathology needs.

Bookings can be made online, in the Practice or by telephone. Appointments are available Monday to Saturday each week.  Bulk Billing also available, check their website for more details.

Cairns Doctors and Wholehealth Discount Drug Store have the 2018 Flu Vaccines ready to help you fight off the 2018 Flu Season!

*UPATE* Funded vaccines have arrived! Bulk Billed Flu Clinic Appointments*

The list of health and health related or complimentary businesses at Barr St Markets doesn’t end here. It’s also the home of 360 Health, Cairns Total Physio, June Vale Dancescapes, Perotta’s Café & Bar, Gourmet Market Meats the award winning butcher, and Esca Seafoods. Barr St Markets is a cosmopolitan health destination with a tropical twist, you really need to see it to believe it so make a date with your health and experience it for yourself.

Barr St Markets has the added convenience of undercover parking under their premises at 532 Mulgrave Rd, Earlville, across the road from Stockland Shopping Centre.

*bulk billing for Flu Clinic only – normal practice fees apply for all other appointments

Cairns Doctors will be closed Wednesday the 25th of April 2018 for Anzac Day.

We reopen at 8am Thursday the 26th of April.

For an easy way to see when your doctor is next available, click here

Lest we forget

From today’s weekend Cairns Post, check out our team!

We are proud to be locally owned and managed, and will continue to grow and support our community, just as our home, Barr St Markets does!

See the “Our Team” page for more information.

Cairns Doctors has teamed up with Wholehealth Discount Drug Store and Healthfoods Barr St Markets this Flu Season.

Government stock not expected until mid-April, but if you are aged between 18 – 65 and want to get your flu shot now, it will only cost you $11!

Bulk Billed Flu Clinic Appointment, otherwise normal practice fee applies. Thank you👨‍⚕️👩‍⚕️🤧

Book your Flu Clinic Appointment today!

Please help us in welcoming Anneke Bayer to the team here at Cairns Doctors.

Anneke has a special interest in women’s health (all aspects around pregnancy), sexual health, and Health Psychology.

Bulk billing available to:
* aged 18 and under
* full time students
* Centrelink Card (i.e. Health Care Card, Pension Card, etc.)
* DVA card holders
* and as a commitment to closing the gap, Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders

Cairns Doctors is a locally owned and managed Medical Practice in Cairns Far North Queensland.

Founded by Dr Heather McNamee in 2013 as a Women’s and Sexual Health Practice, providing a critical service to not only Cairns, but patients in need interstate. Now owned by Barr Street Medical Centre Pty Ltd, Cairns Doctors continues to provide these critical services and more.

Cairns Doctors relocated to brand new rooms on July 10th, 2017, located in the newly constructed Barr St Markets located on Mulgrave Road, on the southside of Cairns.

Cairns Doctors is interested in applications from providers currently working in or interested in working in After Hour clinics based at Cairns Doctors.

With Weekends, Public Holidays, and after 6pm Monday to Friday classified as having a DWS Exemption doctors subject to 19AB/19AA are encouraged to apply.

Supervision and VISA sponsorship can be available to suitable applicants.

Planning and design of the second floor consult area is reaching its final stage, with construction to commence once plans are finalised and approved.

We are seeking expressions of interest from Specialists across multiple disciplines to commence ASAP within existing rooms, with a plan to move upstairs once construction is completed.

Please see our ad on the RACP page for more details.

http://members.racp.edu.au/index.cfm?objectID=CBF9E4D4-D09E-E808-46DC2D391805E0F3&flushcache=1

For more information or to submit your CV, please contact our Business Manager:

Mr Adam Maher

adam@cairns-doctors.com.au

0408 433 990

Thank you

The Team at Cairns Doctors

Cairns Doctors would like to welcome Dr Kerryn Lewin to our team of growing Medical Professionals.

With a passion for caring for people, Dr Lewin enjoys working as a GP where she is involved with people in all stages of their lives, but is particularly interested in antenatal care and working with families.

She has done post-graduate studies in obstetrics and sexual health and is a qualified Mirena Inserter, having been trained b Cairns Doctors’ own Sexual Health Physician, Dr Kay Haig.

Originally from Victoria, Dr Lewin brings international experience to her role with Cairns Doctors, having worked and studied in Canada, as well as here in Australia.

Deciding to settle in the tropics 15 years ago, Dr Lewin is genuinely excited about joining the team at Cairns Doctors.

Also joining the the practice on February 14 is psychologist Annke Bayer.

Well traveled and well credentialed, Annke has an interest in women’s health and family health, sexual health and health psychology.

Cairns Doctors looks forward to providing improved medical services in 2018.

Cairns Doctors.  Doctors with a difference.

Now Open Monday to Saturday for your convenience.

Cairns Doctors is located at Barr St Markets, 2/532 Mulgrave Road (opposite Stockland Earlville Shopping Centre).

Boor your appointment online here, or by phoning (07) 4242 5300

Please join us in welcoming Dr Kerryn Lewin, joining the team here at Cairns Doctors from the 29th of January.

Dr Kerryn Lewin has lived and worked in Cairns for a number of years, recently working in Kewarra Beach, but is excited to join the team here.

Online bookings available, click on Appointments above.

Local practice receives the mark of quality as an accredited practice

Cairns increased its community health credentials today when Cairns Doctors received a national award of accreditation, demonstrating its commitment to quality and safety within its practice.

Cairns Doctors received this important recognition from Australian General Practice Accreditation Limited (AGPAL), the leading not-for-profit provider of general practice accreditation services within Australia.

AGPAL Chair Dr Richard Choong said accreditation shows the practice makes a significant investment and commitment to quality on a day-to-day basis, across all levels of the practice team.

“Achieving accreditation is a major achievement for any practice and a clear demonstration that Cairns Doctors is striving to improve their level of care to both patients and the community,” he said.

“Practices seek accreditation because they want to do their best and view this as another step towards excellence in patient care.”

To achieve accreditation, a practice team works over a 12 month period to implement the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Standards for general practices, (the recognised national standard), which provides a template for quality care and risk management.

The AGPAL accreditation program was developed to provide a range of minimum expectations for patients surrounding safety and care by assessing the practice environment and their processes. Accreditation was developed jointly by AGPAL and primary health organisations and peak bodies, including the Australian Medical Association (AMA).

Areas of focus during an on-site assessment for accreditation include: ensuring vaccines are within their use-by-date and stored at the correct temperatures; that the practice equipment is clean and sterile; practice staff are up-to-date with their training; and the practice has emergency care available.

Achieving accreditation covers:

• The safe and lawful use of practice equipment;
• Accessibility and availability of medical care including after-hours and emergency care;
• Staff training;
• Information technology and information security;
• The security and availability of your records and information.

Dr Choong said accreditation is attainable only through cooperation and communication between staff members.

“Everyone at the practice plays a valuable role in working to meet the RACGP Standards. It gives staff a real sense of pride to work in an accredited practice,” added Dr Choong.

Cairns Doctors proudly displays the AGPAL symbol for all their patients to see.

“We want community members, nation-wide to know that their wellbeing is our priority. By choosing to attend an accredited practice, patients know they will get quality and safe care that meets the RACGP Standards.”

The practice, located at 532 Mulgrave Road, Earlville in Barr St Markets, has special interests in Diabetes, Chronic Disease, Women’s Health, Sexual Health, Pregnancy options, Long Acting Reversible Contraception (Mirena & Implanon for example) Skin Cancer Management, Industrial medicals, Drive Medicals, Commercial Immunisations, onsite vaccine clinics.

Appointments can be made online here, or by calling our friendly reception team on (07) 4242 5300.