Welcome to our Spring newsletter. Now that our vaccination clinics and Covid-19 updates are slowing down, we thought we would try reducing the frequency of our newsletter also. We will trial bi-monthly or seasonal newsletters but if we have more to tell you may hear from us sooner!
In this month’s newsletter we will update you on new Covid-19 self isolation rules, how to check your breasts, options for cervical screen tests, and its also Movember so its time for you blokes to get their ‘regular service’. We also have a personal note from Dr Robyn Steven’s who is retiring after almost 50 years in medicine.
DR ROBYN STEVENS RETIREMENT
The time has come for me to retire. This is bittersweet as I have had nearly fifty years in Medicine and could not have found a more fulfilling career.
I have learnt a lot about humankind from both the practice of medicine and from all the interactions I have had with patients and colleagues throughout. These interactions have shaped who I am, as together we’ve navigated the toughest of times and the happiest of times.
My last formal consulting day will be 24th November 2022.
Some of you I have been seeing for over 30 years. I wish you all well, and please know you’ll all be in my thoughts
Warm regards,
Dr Robyn Stevens
Please be reassured that all your important medical history remains on file at Your Family Doctors, and you can remain as a patient of the practice. As you are aware, Your Family Doctors no longer bulk-bills due to the inadequate medicare rebate.
Please see below details regarding a morning tea the YFD team will be holding for Robyn and her patients.
CHANGES TO COVID-19 SELF-ISOLATION RULES
It is no longer mandatory to self-isolate if you test positive to COVID-19, but it is strongly recommended you stay home and take steps to protect others. You also need to avoid high-risk settings like aged and disability care facilities, health facilities and hospitals and visiting vulnerable family and friends while you are unwell. If you must leave home, please wear a mask.
Please do not attend our medical practice if you have tested positive – Telephone or video consultations are available instead. As we see vulnerable patients at our practice we still ask that everyone attending still wear a mask.
If you do test positive for Covid-19 we do recommend you still register your test online or call Service NSW on 13 77 88. Registering your result helps you access medical support from NSW Health, including antiviral medicines if you are eligible, and also assists NSW Health respond to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
For more information on ‘Testing positive to COVID-19 and managing COVID-19 safely at home’ follow the link
https://www.nsw.gov.au/…/management/advice-for-confirmed
NOVEMBER 7 – 13 – CERVICAL CANCER AWARENESS WEEK
It is important to have regular Cervical Screening Tests as the best way to protect yourself against cervical cancer. Most cases of cervical cancer occur in women who have never screened or are not up-to-date with their screening.
The good news is that Cervical Screening just got easier! New changes to the National Cervical Screening Program mean that anyone with a cervix, aged 25 to 74, will be able to choose to have a Cervical Screening Test either by:
- taking your own sample from your vagina, using a simple swab (self-collection)
- having a healthcare provider collect your sample from the cervix using a speculum.
Both options are:
- accessed through a healthcare provider such as your GP.
- accurate and safe ways to collect a sample for a Cervical Screening Test.
Self-collection has the potential to reach under-screened patients, overcoming barriers to cervical screening by providing a more culturally appropriate and sensitive screening option.
Self-collection is not suitable for those experiencing symptoms (such as unusual bleeding, pain or discharge) or if follow up of previous abnormal results is required.
If you are interested in self-collection as an option for cervical screening, you should talk to your GP to help you decide what is the best option for you. You will still require an appointment with your doctor as there is much to discuss!
Resources;
MOVEMBER AND MEN’S HEALTH
This November it time to focus on those important blokes out there! Men die an average six years younger than women, and for reasons that are largely preventable. Movember is about creating awareness of men’s health issues – in particular prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention.
Did you know testicular cancer is the second most common cancer in young men after skin cancer? Just like women should be breast aware for early detection of breast cancer – men need to ‘get to know their nuts’ also and if they notice any changes to come and see their doctor. So to all you awesome blokes out there – I’m sure your car is up to date with its regular service – what about are you? Come have a chat to your friendly GP about your physical and mental health.
https://au.movember.com/mens-health/general
PATHOLOGY ROOM
Overdue for that blood test? Our Douglas Hanly Moir Pathology room is open 3 mornings a week. Opening hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings from 8.30am – 12.30 pm. There is no need to book. Don’t forget your pathology referral and a mask.
COAST SHELTER CHRISTMAS APPEAL
It’s getting to that time of the year again! Coast Shelter is asking the Central Coast community to dig deep and donate what you can afford to their Christmas Appeal, or obtain gift cards or experiences from local businesses. By doing this, you are not only helping the disadvantaged community members accessing our support services, but you’re also helping local businesses get back on their feet after a tough few years.
For more information ….
https://coastshelterchristmasappeal.com.au
STAFF NEWS
WELCOME DR ANNA SAMBELL
We are excited to introduce our newest team member Dr Anna Sambell who joined our practice in October. Anna graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 2011. She spent two years on the Central Coast as a junior doctor before moving to Tanzania, East Africa, where she volunteered in Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Paediatrics. She returned to Australia in 2016 and completed her GP training on the Mid North Coast before returning to the Central Coast in 2019.
Anna enjoys the continuity of care and breadth of scope that General Practice offers. Her special interests include antenatal care, women’s health, paediatrics, chronic disease management and travel medicine.
Anna is also a busy Mum with two young girls and enjoys travelling, reading and sleeping when time permits!
MOVE AGAINST CANCER
Well done to Team YFD for another amazing month of stepping in The Central Coast Move Against Cancer Challenge. Team YFD has done an amazing job and have stepped around many beautiful locations on the Central Coast, interstate and even overseas! This year our team achieved over 7 million steps and raised $893 for the Cancer Council NSW. Overall the fundraising and fitness event raised $47,313. Well done Coasties and see you next year!
Read more of the benefits of Exercise in cancer reduction in our blog; https://yourfamilydoctors.com.au/exercise-and-cancer/
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We hope you enjoyed reading our Spring Newsletter. You can also like us on facebook or instagram to keep up to date with the latest Covid changes, important health information and to see what the YFD team has been up to. Our website is also a great source of information, so please check out our blog for health information written by our team. Stay well.
Love Team YFD xx