Foster and Toora Medical Centres

26/02/2026

SMS RESULTS AND REMINDERS

As part of our effort to improve communication we will be rolling out further SMS capability so that we can send you a text to let you know about normal results (“no action required”) , to let you know if your doctor would like to see you (“please make an appointment”) or to remind you about recall appointments.

Initially just two doctors will trial the system to ensure we understand how it works best and then a broader roll out will continue. We hope this will improve our ability to reassure people about normal results and free up time for doctors and reception to deal with the things that do require attention. Of course this will not replace appointments and phone calls for results that require more in-depth discussion or urgent attention.

A reminder that it is now a requirement for pathology providers to upload your results to your health record and we encourage patients to use this service when they might also like to have a copy of their results.

06/02/2026

SMS REMINDERS ARE HERE!

You asked, we listened. After some searching we have found a new text messaging system to integrate with our software and replace HotDocs. Commencing next week all standard appointments for doctor and nurse appointments will generate an SMS reminder and confirmation request.

This will not apply to vaccine clinics, (phone) script clinic or Saturdays.

We hope this will help both patients remember their appointments and reduce our no shows and wasted appointments.

In the coming weeks we will trial the same system for notification of results and reminders and hope this will further improve our communication with patients.

18/01/2026

LEONGATHA HEALTH CARE CLOSURE

We are sad and concerned to hear the announcement regarding the closure of Leongatha Health Care. We know that this clinic, like ours, serves a pivotal role in its rural community and we know that there will be many anxious patients, staff and doctors alike in the coming days. We are communicating with remaining medical staff to be abreast of changes and do what we can to support them through whatever transition occurs. We hope that a solution can be found to fill the gap this will leave.

We also acknowledge that our own service is already under significant appointment pressure and our priority remains serving our existing Foster and surrounds community.

At this time we will not be able to accommodate appointments for new patients who do not receive their regular care from FMC. We encourage patients in this situation to utilise the alternative suggested services in Leongatha.

We will await further news and continue to keep everyone updated on any changes that will impact FMC.

31/12/2025

NO CLINIC THIS SATURDAY 3rd JAN.

Please note, due to staff illness we will not be able to open the clinic this Saturday the 3rd of January. We will have a doctor available for emergencies only at the hospital as usual.
Thanks for your understanding.

Wishing everyone a safe, healthy 2026.
FMC

28/12/2025

It has come to our attention that community members may be receiving texts or emails claiming to be from HotDocs. Please note we no longer use Hot Docs and this is likely a scam. If you are unsure please call the clinic or whichever health service you otherwise use HotDocs with.

Wishing everyone a safe, happy holiday season. FMC

15/09/2025

APPOINTMENT NO-SHOWS

I’m sorry to say that this morning we had FIVE appointments wasted to people failing to turn up without letting us know they couldn’t attend the appointment. This is exceptionally disappointing when we are so pressured for appointments and these could have been made available for another patient.

PLEASE, out of courtesy to your community members we encourage you to write your appointment in your diary or in your phone calendar or put your card on the fridge and LET US KNOW if you no longer require it or cannot attend.

Let’s all work together to use our valuable resources carefully!

08/09/2025

PHONES ARE DOWN AT FOSTER AND TOORA MEDICAL CENTRES

Apologies if you have been unable to get through this morning. We are open as usual for booked appointments and anticipate the problem will be fixed quickly.
If you require a non urgent appointment please call later.

If you have an urgent problem suitable to be seen at FMC and the phone does not answer, you can attend the clinic to be triaged in person. Please try calling first as we hope the problem will be fixed soon.

Thanks for your understanding.

13/06/2025

YOU’RE INVITED: Join the Conversation on Building a Healthier, Stronger Community

For the past 13 years, the South Gippsland Community Health Foundation has proudly supported vital health services for the Corner Inlet community. Thanks to the generosity of local donors, we’ve been able to fund important projects like:

Purchasing the Banksia Lodge lease for South Gippsland Hospital
Upgrading high-care rooms at Prom Country Aged Care
Supporting the Royal Flying Doctor transport service
We believe there's still so much more we can achieve—together. As someone already playing a key role in building a resilient, healthy community, we’d love for you to join us for a special Community Foundations Panel and Q&A.

This event is a chance to connect, share ideas, and explore how we can better work together to support the health and wellbeing of our region.

We are grateful to the South Gippsland Council for sponsoring the event.

Event Details:
📅 Sunday, 29 June
🕑 2:00–4:00 PM
📍 Manna Gum Community House

RSVP Mon 23 June

Please see the attached flyer for more information.
We’d love to see you—and your team—there.

09/06/2025

https://www.sgst.com.au/news/foster-doctor-david-iser-awarded-an-oam-for-services-to-medicine

Congratulations Dr David Iser - a well earned recognition of decades of hard work and care.

HIGHLY-regarded and universally acclaimed Foster doctor, David Iser, has been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division in today’s King’s Birthday honours. Dr David James Iser, now of Barwon Heads, where he moved in...

03/06/2025

Would you like to work with our wonderful team? FMC is looking for a new receptionist! Please see the add below for details and spread the word if you know someone who would be a great fit.

Find your ideal job at SEEK with 28 Medical Centre jobs found in Foster VIC 3960. View all our Medical Centre vacancies now with new jobs added daily!

13/04/2025

THE FMC CHICKENS ARE MIGRATING

The prize-winning FMC chickens have been a much loved fixture of the clinic since the early days of the COVID pandemic. They’ve made many a nervous patient (small and big) feel at ease and kept people entertained while they wait. We think the chickens and the person who has been cleaning up after them as best he could for 5 years have earned a rest so the chickens will soon head home to run amok in the garden instead.
The courtyard area will return to its original water feature and garden unless another excellent suggestion appears from left field!

24/03/2025

Under 65 and wondering if you’re eligible for a free flu vaccine?

Common conditions included on the eligibility list include Cardiovascular disease, Diabetes, Cancer Kidney Disease and lung disease. Please note mild asthma not requiring multiple medications including preventer medication does not currently qualify.

All ATSI patients over 6m of age are eligible.

You may find the information below useful.

This fact sheet provides information about getting vaccinated against the flu in 2025.