Dr. Janet Wright, after 36 years of caring for her many patients (and staff) at Brighton Medical Clinic has retired. We all wish her well for an exciting, happy and healthy future chapter in her life. BMC is happy to welcome back Dr. Nerissa McDonald to the clinic. Nerissa will be consulting 2 sessions a week from July, 2023 From the end of August 2023 , Elsternwick Medical Clinic will be closing their practice and we are excited and looking forward to welcoming on September 4, 2023 all five doctors to Brighton Medical Clinic. BMC welcomes Drs. Jackie Smith, Monica Tomkin, Mandy Atchison, Lith Baduraliya and
David Fineberg All doctors will be available for bookings on “Hot Doc” from Monday, September 4, 2023, or please contact BMC to make an appointment.
Meningococcal Disease
Meningococcal disease is a rare but serious infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitides.
Three types of meningococcal vaccines are available in Australia:
1. Meningococcal C: available as a single vaccine, NeisVac-C, or in a combination formulation with the Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) vaccine: Menitorix. – recommended and funded under the NIP for 1 dose at 12 months of age in all children nationally.
2. Multicomponent meningococcal B vaccine: Bexsero – available through private prescription, from age 6 weeks. Doses required vary by age.
3. Quadrivalent (ACWY) meningococcal conjugate vaccines: Menactra, Menveo, and Nimenrix. – available through private prescription. Funded in Victoria in 2017 for adolescents/young adults aged 15-19 years.
In response to our recent survey, in regard to improving patient waiting times: our doctors and staff will endeavour to start on time and work as efficiently as possible. Our receptionists, when possible will call patients if the doctor is running late. If asked, our receptionists will assist you in making the appropriate appointment time.
We would ask our patients to help in the following areas: If you have more than one family member to be seen, please make an appropriate appointment as seeing extra patients without an appointment takes extra time. Please inform the surgery ahead of time if you are running late.
The Flu Season
Seasonal influenza vaccine is recommended and FREE for all people with the following criteria.
People aged 65 years of age and older.
Pregnant women, at any time during their pregnancy.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 15 years and older.
Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.
Any person over six months of age with a condition predisposing them to severe influenza illness requiring regular medical follow-up or hospitalisation, including children aged six months to 10 years undergoing long-term asthma therapy, and people with:
Cardiac disease
Chronic respiratory conditions
Down syndrome
Obesity
Immunocompromising conditions
Diabetes and other metabolic disorders
Chronic neurological conditions
Renal disease
Haematological disorders.
Brighton Medical Clinic will also stock influenza vaccines for patients who are not eligible for a free vaccine. The cost of the vaccine in this case is $20.00. It is recommended that travellers and people in certain occupations should also be vaccinated, but they may or may not be eligible for the free government-supplied vaccine.
It is recommended to mention to staff when you are making an appointment that you wish to have the flu vaccine. This will ensure we have the vaccine in.