Welcome to Our Spring Newsletter!
Spring has arrived, and we’re delighted to bring you another edition of our YFD newsletter, packed with important updates, helpful health information and staff news.
In this issue, we cover the closure of the GP Bridges after-hours service, provide an immunisation update, extended Laverty Pathology hours, and some important reminders about Medicare telehealth rules and MyMedicare registration. We also celebrate Women’s Health Week and encourage all our female patients to make their own health a priority.
GP BRIDGES AFTER HOURS CLOSURE
After caring for the local community and YFD patients after hours for many years, we are sad to announce that Bridges After Hours in Erina is now closed.
Patients requiring medical care outside our practice hours can find alternative after-hours services through Healthdirect, which provides information about available services in your local area. Healthdirect – After Hours Health Services
Bridges After Hours in Kanwal remains open and continue to provide after-hours medical care to patients.
For urgent medical advice, you can also call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222. In an emergency, always call 000.
IMMUNISATION UPDATE
There have been a few important changes to Australia’s vaccination program this year. Here’s what you need to know:
COVID-19 vaccine changes from 1 October 2026
COVID-19 vaccination is moving into the National Immunisation Program (NIP) from 1 October. Free COVID-19 vaccination will continue for those at greatest risk of severe illness, including everyone aged 75 years and over, adults aged 65–74 years, eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and adults with severe immunocompromise.
Until 1 October, current arrangements remain in place. If you are due for a COVID-19 vaccine, speak with your GP about whether vaccination is recommended for you.
If you are not eligible for a funded COVID-19 vaccine after October, you may still choose to have one privately following a discussion with your GP about your individual risk and the potential benefits of vaccination.
Don’t forget your flu vaccine!
If you haven’t had your 2026 flu vaccine yet, it’s not too late. Influenza can cause serious illness, particularly in older adults and people with underlying health conditions. Ask our team about getting protected.
New pneumococcal vaccine – Capvaxive®
Since July, a new pneumococcal vaccine, Capvaxive® (21vPCV), has been available through the NIP. Eligibility has expanded, with everyone aged 65 years and over now eligible for a free pneumococcal vaccination, as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults from 25 years and people with certain medical conditions.
The rollout of Capvaxive® has been slower than expected and YFD is currently receiving limited supplies each month. If you think you may be eligible, contact the practice and we can check your vaccination history and current availability.
Keeping your vaccinations up to date is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself and your family.
LAVERTY PATHOLOGY COLLECTION HOURS UPDATE
Your Family Doctors at Erina have a Laverty Pathology onsite collection centre at our premises Our pathology collection hours have recently extended from 8:30am to 1:30pm Monday to Friday.
TELEHEALTH AND MY MEDICARE
We know telehealth consultations are convenient, particularly when you’re unable to attend the practice in person. However, Medicare has specific rules about when a telehealth consultation can attract a Medicare rebate.
For most patients, you need to have had a face-to-face consultation with your GP at the practice within the previous 12 months to be eligible for a Medicare rebate for a telehealth consultation. If you have not been seen face-to-face within this timeframe, Medicare may not provide a rebate for your telehealth consultation.
My Medicare registration can provide greater flexibility. If you are registered with Your Family Doctors through My Medicare, you may be eligible for longer telehealth consultations greater and telehealth consultations where the usual 12-month face-to-face requirement does not apply, provided the other Medicare eligibility requirements are met. Please note that usual consultation fees apply to telehealth consultations, but My Medicare registration ensures that you receive your medicare rebate.
My Medicare also provides access to GP Chronic Condition Management Plans for eligible patients and supports greater continuity and coordination of your care.
If you’re unsure which practice you are registered with, you can check your MyMedicare registration through your Medicare details in the myGov app. If you’re not registered with YFD and would like to transfer your registration, our reception team can help. You can also download the My Medicare registration form here: MyMedicare Registration Form
WOMEN’S HEALTH WEEK 2026 – Do it Anyway!
This year’s Women’s Health Week (7–11 September) theme is ‘Do it anyway’ – a reminder that looking after your health doesn’t have to mean making huge changes. It’s about taking small steps, on your terms, and giving yourself permission to prioritise your own health.
Women’s health week spotlights the five simple pillars of health: nutrition, exercise, rest, mental health and social connection. Whether it’s making one healthier food choice, getting outside for a walk, saying yes to some much-needed rest, checking in on your mental health, or catching up with someone you care about – small steps can make a big difference.
Women often spend so much time looking after everyone else that their own health can slip down the list. At Your Family Doctors Erina, we are here to support you every step of the way—whether it’s keeping up with cervical screening, breast checks, contraception and fertility advice, menopause care, mental health support, or simply booking in for a routine check-up. Women’s Health Week is an excellent reminder to ‘do it anyway’ and make your health a priority today and every day.
For useful women’s health resources go to …. https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/
PRACTICE FEE UPDATE
We would like to let our patients know that from 1 October 2026, our consultation fees will increase slightly. This small adjustment is necessary to help meet the ongoing increase in the costs of running a general practice and to ensure we can continue to provide the high-quality, comprehensive care our patients value. We understand that any fee increase can be difficult, and we have kept this adjustment as modest as possible. We appreciate your understanding and continued support of our practice.
STAFF NEWS
CONGRATULATIONS CINDY!
A huge congratulations to Dr Cindy Chen for passing her fellowship exams. There was never a doubt she would pass her exams with flying colours. Dr Cindy is such an asset to our YFD team, and with her up-to-date knowledge, we’re finding ourselves asking her the tricky questions! She is loved by both our patients and our staff, and we couldn’t be more proud to have her as part of the YFD family.
THE GOOD GP NEVER STOPS LEARNING
Our doctors have been busy over the last month attending more conferences to keep up to date and making sure our patients received the best evidence based care. This included the Healthed Medical Update in Sydney, which covered a broad range of interesting topics including mammalian meat allergy and tick bites, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), obesity management, heart disease and what we need to know about the peptide craze! The Australian Menopause Society Annual Congress was also a fabulous update on everything menopause and highlighted the importance of following evidence based treatments with all of all the misinformation out there.
YFD IS ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS
For a limited time, we are pleased to advise that Dr Cherie Castaing, Dr Jill McDowell, Dr Michael Little and Dr Cindy Chen are accepting new patients. Our other doctors are at full capacity and have their books closed. Please note that Your Family Doctors is a privately billing practice, and a $50 deposit is required when booking a new patient appointment. To arrange your first visit, please call our practice directly, as new patients are unable to book online. All new patients will be welcomed through an initial appointment with one of our nurses before seeing their doctor, helping us ensure a smooth and comprehensive introduction to our practice.
Dr Elly Warren continues to enjoy her work in the hospital, and for now remains on extended leave from general practice. If you usually see Elly, please book with another member of our team. Elly is grateful for your support and knows you’ll be in excellent hands with the YFD team
————————
Thank You for Reading Our Spring Newsletter
As we welcome the sunshine and longer days, we hope this edition has provided useful health tips and practice updates. Between newsletters, you can stay connected with Your Family Doctors at Erina by following us on Facebook and Instagram, or by visiting our website and blog for practical advice written by our GPs.
We’d also love to hear your feedback—your thoughts help us improve the care and services we provide. Simply scan the QR code below to share your experience with us.
Wishing you and your family a happy, healthy spring, and we look forward to caring for you in the months ahead.
Love Team YFD xx
