Barton Lane Practice seeks to improve the health and wellbeing of individuals, families and communities, and we have been doing so since 1892.
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.
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.
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.
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
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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...
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Should I have a regular GP?
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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
Yesterday was the first National Skin Check Day, another reminder of the importance of skin health. On a similar note our Dr Daniel Rankmore quoted by the RACGP in their promotional material.From dermatitis to dermoscopy, we’ve got you covered. Upskill with the Certificate of Primary Care Dermatology and have access to 25 online courses and a two day in-person workshop.
Registrations are now open: bit.ly/3qN2F1m
Happy Thursday - Results Time!
To help them, help you, our doctors routinely order investigations such as blood tests, x-rays and CT scans. But do you know how you're going to get the results? Another appointment? A phone call? No news is good news (which is not 100% reliable btw.) If you're not sure ask. And the best time to do that is when you're with the doctor.
When it comes to prescriptions it is best to "be prepared!"
* Scripts generally last six months - so plan ahead.
* Book an appointment before your scripts need to be renewed.
* Appointments allow the doctor to confirm the medication is still best for you. e.g. checking your blood pressure is on target.
* Check what scripts you're due for before you visit.
* Check with the GP if you have any about to expire.
* If you use your last repeat - think how you will get another.
* Phone requests for scripts may take 3 days to fulfil and incur an admin fee.
Ross River Fever numbers are at a 30 year high, with nearly 2000 cases recorded in NSW last year. Ross River Fever is a viral illness transmitted by mosquitoes. It causes fatigue, joint pain, and a rash. Although most recover in 7-10 for some the symptoms last many months.
Avoid mosquitoes bites by avoiding peak mosquito times (dawn and dust) and peak mosquito locations (near water sources), remove shallow pooled water where they can breed, wearing longsleeve clothes, and using insect repellent (e.g. deet).
For more info www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/ross-river-fever.aspx
Ross River virus infections reach record levels in NSW
www.abc.net.au
Three months ago Graeme Stuart was playing golf, paddling a dragon boat and loving life as a grey nomad. Now, thanks to the debilitating virus, even simple tasks are sometimes beyond him.Find out if you are eligible for a government funded Flu Vaccine.
* Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over
* People aged 6 months to under 5 years, for free under the NIP
people aged 6 months or over who have medical conditions that mean they have a higher risk of getting serious disease
* pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy, for free under the NIP
* people aged 65 years or over
We are not yet taking bookings as delivery times for vaccines are beyond our control. Stay tuned for updates.
www.health.gov.au/health-topics/immunisation/immunisation-services/flu-influenza-immunisation-ser...
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 Matt Chan
Dr Darla Grace
Dr Laura Heal
Dr David Lockart
Dr John Pearson
Dr Daniel Rankmore
Dr Doug Rutherford
Dr Nicola Close
Dr Elena Luo
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