"New Receptionist"

We are pleased to welcome Kirsty to our Practice. We hope she stays as long as all our other staff.

"Narangba Counselling Service"

We are pleased to announce that we now have the services of a counsellor visiting the Practice. Please ring 3886 6186 to make an appointment. You do *NOT* need to have a referral to see her.

"The 'Flu vaccination"

Influenza ('flu) is a very nasty illness which gives the patient a very high temperature for five days with a hacking cough. It can be treated with a medication (Relenza, Tamiflu) provided it is commenced as soon as it is suspected or diagnosed. Patients commonly get bacterial pneumonia after or during influenza so prevention with a vaccine is so much better than treatment. Please note: the 'flu vaccination does NOT protect you from the common cold which is also very prevalent in the winter and autumn months.

This year, if you are over 65 years of age, or a patient at special risk of adverse consequences of lower respiratory tract infection, we are carrying stocks of the seasonal vaccine 'flu supplied by the Government. If you are not in that category, you should think about purchasing it. You will need a prescription for it from your doctor. The prescription is usually issued to you at your consultation and then paid for and collected from the pharmacy next door and then given to you on your return, so it entails only one visit to the Practice.

If you are coming in just for the 'flu vaccinnation, please let the receptionist know this as this may reduce the time you have to wait to be seen.

Unfortunately, the seasonal 'flu vaccine has been taken off the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme, so even if you have a HCC, you will have to pay the full price ($20.00) for a private script unless you are a "person at special risk of adverse consequences of a lower respiratory tract infection". Your doctor will discuss this with you at the time of prescription.

If you have had a dose before, you only need one dose. If you have not, you should have two doses one month apart. Annual vaccines are required because the influenza virus keeps changing.

"Weather Station"

Dr. Stephenson has been measuring Narangba's rainfall, together with maximum and minimum temperatures since 1996. He has now invested in an electronic weather station and you can see the sensors on the roof of the surgery. The station has a web-site and can be seen located on the world map. Double click on the map of Australia.