Smith Street Medical Centre

22/12/2025

🎄 Holiday Hours Update 🎄

Charlestown Clinic
❌ Closed 25 December – 4 January

Kotara Clinic
❌ Closed 25–29 December
✅ Open 30–31 December
❌ Closed 1–4 January

⏰ Normal hours resume at both clinics from Monday 5 January.

📞 GP access after hours: 4926 0500 for GP appointments whilst we're closed.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season! ✨

08/12/2025

✨ Welcome Dr. Konka to Our Kotara Clinic! ✨

We’re thrilled to introduce Dr. Konka, our newest General Practitioner, who brings a wealth of experience and a compassionate approach to patient care.

Dr. Konka graduated from medical school in India in 2010 and went on to complete her MRCGP in the UK in 2024. She also gained valuable research experience in Paediatric Neurology at the renowned Children’s Hospital of Michigan, USA, adding a unique perspective to her evidence-based approach to healthcare.

Passionate about family medicine, Dr. Konka is dedicated to treating her patients holistically—caring for the physical, emotional, and social aspects of health. She truly believes in empowering her patients through education, helping them take an active role in their own wellbeing.

We’re excited to have her join our team and look forward to the positive impact she will have on the care we provide.

🩺 Book an appointment with Dr. Konka today and experience compassionate, patient-centered care! 🩺

Need a GP doctor in Charlestown? We offer expert care, skin cancer checks, women’s and children’s health, immunisations, and chronic disease support. Book with Smith Street Medical Centre today.

08/12/2025

At Smith Street Medical, we are dedicated to providing top-quality healthcare services to our community. Our website is your one-stop destination for booking appointments, and learning more about the range of medical services we offer.

👩‍⚕️ Whether you need a general consultation or have a health-related question, we’re here for you!

👉 What we offer:

Easy online booking system 🗓️
Convenient access to medical services ‍💊
Health tips & resources🍏
And so much more! 💙

Visit us today at smithstmedical.com.au
and take the first step toward better health!

02/12/2025

Dr Samuel Olowokandi is a qualified General Practitioner providing care for patients of all ages. He completed his medical training in the United Kingdom and is a member of the Royal College of General Practitioners.

His clinical interests include chronic disease management, mental health, and minor surgical procedures. Dr Olowokandi is passionate about preventive health and enjoys working collaboratively with patients to support their long-term wellbeing.
www.smithstmedical.com.au
https://www.smithstmedical.com.au/now-taking-appointments/

30/11/2025

🍏Here’s a bite-sized update from Seaton, our resident dietitian, sharing his latest advice to support healthier everyday choices:
🥩 Prioritise protein at each meal: Include a quality protein source every time you eat.
Meat • Seafood • Eggs • Dairy
💧 Stay hydrated: Many people mistake thirst for hunger. Keep a water bottle close and sip regularly.
🍎 Snack on whole foods: Choose options like fruit, nuts, greek yogurt, boiled eggs, or veggie sticks instead of ultra-processed snacks.
⏱️ Eat mindfully: Slow down, chew well, and pay attention to your hunger and fullness cues.
😴 Prioritise sleep: Your appetite and energy-regulating hormones depend on it.
Remember: perfection isn’t the goal. Progress is! 💪
Book an appointment with Seaton at https://www.hotdoc.com.au/medical-centres/charlestown-NSW-2290/smith-street-medical-centre/doctors/seaton-robertson-dietician

30/11/2025

❤️🌍World AIDS Day🌍❤️

Today we remember the millions of lives lost to HIV/AIDS, stand in solidarity with those living with HIV, and commit to ending the stigma that still surrounds it.

HIV treatment and prevention have come a long way – with the right care, people living with HIV can lead long and healthy lives. But awareness, testing, and support are still vital. 🩺✨

Let’s come together to:
✅ Reduce stigma
✅ Promote testing and education
✅ Support ongoing research and care

Together, we can work towards a future free from HIV/AIDS. 🤝

25/11/2025

🎉 Join us in welcoming Gabi to the team! 🎉

We are thrilled to introduce Gabi, a compassionate and highly skilled Registered Nurse, to our team! With her extensive experience in providing patient care at UNE Healthcare, Gabi brings a wealth of knowledge in patient assessment, care coordination, and evidence-based nursing practices.

We are so excited to have you on board, Gabi! Please join us in giving her a warm welcome! 👏

25/11/2025

Smith St Medical is excited to welcome Dr Samuel Olokowandi to the practice from 1 December — and we’re also extending our opening hours to give you more flexibility when booking a GP visit!

🕒 New extended hours:
• Saturdays: 8:30am–3:00pm
• Thursdays: Open until 8pm

👨‍⚕️ Dr Olowokandi (FRACGP) joins us from the UK and provides compassionate care to patients of all ages. His areas of interest include:
✔️ Chronic disease management
✔️ Mental health
✔️ Minor procedures
✔️ Preventive and proactive healthcare

He is committed to partnering with patients to support long-term health and wellbeing.

📞 Bookings now open – call 4943 3066 to secure an appointment.
Or book via HotDoc at https://www.hotdoc.com.au/medical-centres/charlestown-NSW-2290/smith-street-medical-centre/doctors

24/11/2025

🤍White Ribbon Day🤍

Today we stand together to say no to violence against women. White Ribbon Day is a powerful reminder that ending gender-based violence starts with respect, education, and action.

Every woman has the right to feel safe – in her home, workplace, and community. 💪✨

Let’s use today to:
✅ Start conversations about respect
✅ Challenge harmful attitudes and behaviours
✅ Support those affected by violence

Together, we can build a future free from violence. 🌏💙

24/11/2025

✨ Great news! ✨
Seeing a GP just got easier! 👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️

From 1 December, our Charlestown clinic is extending its hours:
🕗 Open till 8pm every Thursday
🕒 Open till 3pm on Saturdays

Please note: 👉 Higher fees apply on Saturdays and After Hours.

We look forward to caring for you! 💙🏥

20/11/2025

🌟 Exciting news! 🌟
We’re thrilled to welcome Dr Samuel Olokowandi to Smith St Medical Charlestown from 1 December — and we’re extending our hours to make seeing a GP even easier!

🗓️ Extended appointment times:
• Saturdays: 8:30am–3:00pm
• Thursdays: until 8pm

👨‍⚕️ Dr Olokowandi (FRACGP) is a UK-trained GP who cares for patients of all ages.
His interests include:
✔️ Chronic disease management
✔️ Mental health
✔️ Minor procedures
✔️ Preventive health

He’s passionate about working with patients to support long-term wellbeing.

📲 Bookings now open on 4943 3066!

For 70 years, Smith Street Medical Centre has proudly supported the health of the Hunter community. Our experienced GPs offer trusted, ongoing care for patients of all ages.

16/11/2025

☀️👒 National Skin Cancer Action Week 👒☀️

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world – but the good news is that most skin cancers can be prevented with good sun protection habits. 🌴✨

This week is a great reminder to follow the 5 SunSmart steps every day:
🧢 Slip on protective clothing
🧴 Slop on SPF 30+ sunscreen
👒 Slap on a broad-brimmed hat
😎 Seek shade
🕶️ Slide on sunglasses

Early detection is also vital – check your skin regularly and see your GP if you notice anything new, changing, or unusual. 🩺💙

Let’s work together to stay sun safe and reduce the impact of skin cancer in our community. 💛