At Barton Lane Practice we seek to provide you with the very best in health care, empowering you to improve your health, and we have been doing so for the Tamworth region since 1892.
Our responses to COVID-19
In response to COVID-19 we have made a range of changes to help care for you and our community at this time. Many appointments are now available by phone or video consultation. This helps keep you safe at home and helps us make sure that it is as safe as possible for people who need to see us face to face. You can also book phone and video appointments online. You can find out more about some of our changes below.
We’ve spread some things out to give you more space
We have …
- removed some chairs and spaced them further apart
- spread out our appointments times
- moved some appointments to Saturdays
- set up options for phone and video appointments
… so that when you visit us we can keep you as safe as possible
Updates on Telehealth
Phone and Video appointments are a great tool to help you get the care you need without coming into the practice. This helps us make sure the waiting room is as safe as possible for those who need something cared for face to face.
When you book a video appointment you will be sent an email close to your appointment with instructions on how to connect.
Childhood health checks and immunisations
With COVID-19 threatening to stress our health system, it’s more important than ever to be up to date with your child‘s immunisations. We are setting up special clinics for children’s health checks and immunisations to help you avoid a crowded waiting room.
If you attend our Saturday Childhood Health Check and Immunisation Clinic you will be shown to one of our consultation rooms when you arrive at the practice. The health check and immunisation will be done in this room. You can come, have the health check, immunisation and the observation time after the immunisations – all without needing to sit in the waiting room.
To book your child into this clinic call the practice on 02 6766 6166.
Do you have cold or flu symptoms?
Given the spread of COVID-19 in our community, we will be seeing everyone who has cold or flu symptoms with a video or phone appointment. Most of the time we will be able to care for you and organise any medications, tests or certificates you need without you needing to come into the practice.
So, if you have a fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath or other flu like symptoms, book a phone or video appointment with one of our doctors today.
More visits bulk billed
To help in this difficult time, we want to make sure you can receive the care you need in an accessible way. We are pleased to share that we have extended bulk billed appointments to all people under the age of 16 years and to all concession card holders. We hope this temporary measure helps reduce the impact of COVID on your health care.
Flu immunisations
To keep up to date with when you can book your flu vaccine, please click the link above.
With the importance of physical distancing we will be doing our flu clinics a little differently, including a separate entry for this clinic. So make sure you look for the Flu Clinic signs to direct you as you enter the building. We also ask that you arrive at your appointment time to avoid a longer wait in the building, and that you bring a pen with you.
We will only be able to take bookings based on stock.
To keep up to date, you can sign up for emails
If you have cold or flu symptoms please phone the practice on 02 6766 6166 before your appointment to help us care for you and our other patients well
With the current local and global concerns for coronavirus we want to assure you we are seeking to maintain our care for you, our practice and our community. To do this we are making changes to what we will ask you when your appointment is booked. There are also increased infection control measures when you arrive at the practice, so please make sure you read the signs at the entry when you come to us. For some situations, we are also using phone calls to help us provide the right health care for you.
If you have cold or flu-like symptoms, please call the practice on 02 6766 6166 to get further advice. Our team will work with you to make sure you get the care you need, either by phone or in person.
Our team is being updated daily with information from the local Public Health Unit, which is putting in a great effort to help us prepare for any changes related to coronavirus.
We understand that this is a stressful time for many. With careful preparation and by following the advice of the Public Health unit, we believe our health care system will be better able to respond to this threat. We thank you for your assistance in these measures in the coming weeks and months.
If you have questions about coronavirus specific to your health situation, we welcome you to book an appointment with one of our doctors.
121 Johnston Street
(Tamwell Building, Ground floor) Tamworth, NSW 2340
Monday to Friday: 8:30am – 6:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am – 11:30am
For urgent medical concerns outside normal hours, please contact the on-call doctor on the after hours phone number. Charges may apply.
Ph: 02 67666166
Fax: 02 67666341
After hours on-call doctor: 0407 255 321
For all emergencies please call an ambulance on: 000
There are more appointments available by calling the practice on
(02) 6766 6166
during our normal business hours
The role of sugary drinks on our health
Over the years, I have met a significant number of people where sugary drinks are a staple of their overall diet. Now, I don't myself deny that at times, for example on a hot Tamworth summer's day, a can of Coca Cola makes for a very refreshing drink. But how much is...
Why social distancing is still important
While there is relief, excitement, and nervousness around restrictions for COVID-19 easing, it is important to remember a few things to keep ourselves and our communities well. The virus is still present in Australia and cases are expected to rise at some stage. ...
#behealthytomorrow
These last few months have been a whirlwind with the comfortable patterns of school, work, and daily life blown away. Not your average Tamworth autumn (despite gorgeous weather). In the midst of this, what’s concerning is how we’re going to come out the other side....
Should I have a regular GP?
I hate getting sick. Aches, pains, fevers and not being able to do anything. I also have small children, and the idea that daddy needs to have some time to rest just does not cut it with them. So, whenever I am unwell, I just want to get better as quickly as possible....
Getting the most out of your appointment
Have you ever walked out at the end of a doctor’s visit only to realise you forgot to ask a question, or forgot part of what the doctor talked to you about? Planning ahead can help you get the most out of your visit to the practice, and here are some tips to help you....
Barton Lane Practice
News
Having grown up, studied and worked in Sydney, Dr Matthew Chan found himself in New England/Northwest for his GP training. He enjoyed everything that rural training has to offer and now that he's fellowed he's living and working in Tamworth.
Find out more about training in New England/Northwest - gpsynergy.com.au/.../rural.../going-rural-guides/
#AGPT #regionalhealth #ruralGP RACGP Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM)
Sad to see you go all the best for the futurexxx
Dr Chan is amazing and he’s a good bloke too 👍👍
Excellent news 👍😊
Thank you to LivingWorks Australia for a wonderful weekend of learning.What a way to spend a weekend - learning the skills that could potentially save a life.
Kudos to the team from Barton Lane Practice in Tamworth for giving up their time to learn suicide first aid skills as part of LivingWorks’ ASIST workshop.
The feedback was incredible –
“Taken out of my comfort zone to my benefit and empowerment”
“I now have the skills to help someone in need. I would suggest this program to everyone”
“The workshop has enthused me to further study and practice suicide prevention and intervention”
“I feel I now have an invaluable tool to use for my lifetime”
“Practical and useful tools given to take into real life experiences”
Our participants were in the very capable hands of trainers Fiona and Jess (right of photo) who delivered a first-class learning experience.
Well done and thank you to all!
Thank you Barton Lane Practice! #legends
Throughout the last six months, we have seen seven-or-eight changes to Medicare as the Government adapts to COVID19. The original temporary changes were due to revert to normal at the end of September.
Today we have some news that Telehealth will continue for at least another six months. (You will have to have been seen physically in the practice within the last 12 months to be eligible for a rebate.)
Unfortunately, they will not be continuing the increased bulk billing incentive for children, health care card holders, and COVID vulnerable people. This will mean most of these people will now move back to a reduced out of pocket concession gap. More details to come.
www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/professional/government-extends-medicare-subsidies-for-teleheal
HotDoc continues to impress as a booking management system. Not only can you book your Barton Lane Appointment online but you can also "check-in" on the mobile app or via this new touch screen so you don't have to wait in line. #makingthingseasy
www.hotdoc.com.au/medical-centres/tamworth-NSW-2340/barton-lane-practice/doctors
New Patients
First of all – Welcome!
At Barton Lane Practice we strive to ensure all patients receive high quality, comprehensive health care.
To become a patient, contact the practice (02 6766 6166) to book your first appointment.
Before your first appointment we would like you to complete a Patient Registration form. You can download one here, or collect one from the practice. Please bring your completed form along to your first visit.
If possible, please also bring:
- An up-to-date health summary from your previous GP
- Copies of any GP Management Plans
- Any relevant letters or notes from specialists
- Any medications you take
Billing Information
Our goal is to provide you with high quality, comprehensive health care. As such we do not bulk bill as we cannot maintain our standard of medical care on the rebate available.
However, we do provide medical care for concession card holders at a discounted rate.
We also seek to provide care in innovative ways for people with a range of complex and chronic health care conditions. We are able to run many specific services for a range of common chronic health issues with little or no out of pocket cost to you. If you have a chronic health care need please talk to one of our doctors or other staff to learn more about what this could mean for you.
The current fee scale is displayed at reception. Please ask our receptionists for further details. We ask that fees be settled in full at the time of consultation.
Doctors
Dr Daniel Rankmore
Dr David Lockart
Dr Doug Rutherford
Dr Barb Moritz
Dr John Pearson
Dr Matt Chan
Dr Paige Darlington
Dr Darla Grace
Dr Laura Heal
Dr Ben Gaunt
For further information including our Privacy Policy and Feedback information, click here