Pacific Pines Medical Centre

31/10/2025

It’s here! ❤️ Today marks the 21st annual .

Today marks Day for Daniel – Australia’s largest child safety education and awareness day, honouring and remembering Daniel Morcombe.

Across Australia, we call upon educators, parents, and caregivers to educate our children, keeping them safe by helping them identify unsafe situations, teaching them how to react, and empowering them to report abuse and seek help. It's crucial for adults to be prepared to listen and, most importantly, to believe.

🔗 https://bit.ly/4nnPqQZ

Image: Bruce and Denise visiting Milton State School earlier this week to preview ABCSL.

02/09/2025

We are looking for an experienced Medical Receptionist to work with our awesome team. PLEASE only apply if you have Medical Reception experience.

About the role

Pacific Pines Medical Centre is seeking a motivated and experienced Medical Receptionist to join our friendly team. In this pivotal role, you will be the first point of contact for our patients, delivering exceptional customer service and ensuring the smooth running of our medical practice. The ideal candidate will have a passion for healthcare and a proven track record in medical administration.

What you'll be doing

- Warmly greeting and welcoming patients upon arrival, and efficiently managing the reception desk
- Scheduling appointments, handling booking inquiries, and maintaining accurate patient records
- Assisting with medical billing, insurance claims, and other administrative tasks
- Providing general information and support to patients, and directing them to the appropriate medical staff
- Maintaining a high level of confidentiality and discretion when handling sensitive parient information
- Contributing to a positive and collaborative team environment

What we're looking for

- At least 2 years' experience in a medical reception or administrative role, preferably in a general practice setting

- Strong customer service skills, with the ability to interact with patients in a warm, professional, and compassionate manner

- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to multi-task and prioritise effectively

- Proficient in using medical practice management software preferred Best Practice (but not essential)

- A passion for healthcare and a commitment to providing high-quality patient care.

What we offer

At Pacific Pines Medical Centre, we are committed to creating a positive and supportive work environment for our employees. We have a friendly and collaborative team environment. Hourly rate $30 - $35 (Casual) for 16 hours per week + fill in when other staff are on holidays/sick.

About us

Pacific Pines Medical Centre is a well established and respected general practice located in the heart of Pacific Pines, Queensland. We pride ourselves on providing our patients with high-quality, personalised healthcare, and we are committed to creating a positive and supportive work environment for our employees. If you're looking for an exciting new opportunity in the healthcare industry, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now. Email: pm@pachealth.com.au

18/06/2025

An apple a day might not always keep the doctor away, but in the medical world it reminds us of early intervention. 🍎

"Red Apple Day is symbolic of Bowel Cancer," Gastroenterologist Dr Maneesha Bhullar said.

"The outline of the official Bowel Cancer Australia's apple logo represents an abstract of a human bowel.

“The small hole in the apple is caused by a worm. If detected early and removed, the worm is unable to continue affecting the apple or the health of the tree. 🌲

“It’s the same outcome for people. If bowel cancer is detected early, it can be successfully treated, which means patients and their families can continue to enjoy a healthy life."

Fun fact: Nearly 99% of bowel cancer cases can be successfully treated when detected early! 🩺

If you're 45+ you can apply for your free bowel cancer screening kit via the National Cancer Screening Register website.

05/03/2025

To our valued patients,
We are closed today (Thursday 6th of March).
We will remain closed Friday 7th of March and Saturday 8th of March due to Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency please call 000 for assistance or attend your local Urgent Care Clinic or hospital.
Please look out for eachother and stay safe.
From the team at Pacific Pines Medical Centre.

01/03/2025

𝙋𝙇𝙀𝘼𝙎𝙀 𝙎𝙃𝘼𝙍𝙀 ꜱᴏ ᴇᴠᴇʀʏᴏɴᴇ ᴄᴀɴ ʙᴇᴄᴏᴍᴇ ᴀꜱ ꜱᴀꜰᴇ ᴀꜱ ᴘᴏꜱꜱɪʙʟᴇ ᴀꜱ ᴡᴇ ᴘʀᴇᴘᴀʀᴇ ꜰᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴏꜱꜱɪʙɪʟɪᴛʏ ᴏꜰ ᴄʏᴄʟᴏɴᴇ ᴀʟꜰʀᴇᴅ.

PREPARATION

👉 Check your insurance: Ensure your policy is current and covers cyclones and storms.
👉 Trim overhanging branches and secure loose roof tiles and guttering.
👉 Secure your home: Install shutters or impact-resistant glass on windows, doors, and skylights.
👉 Clear your property of loose materials that could blow about and cause injury or damage during extreme winds.
👉 Fill vehicles' fuel tanks and keep them topped up.
👉 Fill water containers inside the home.
👉 Prepare an emergency kit containing:

Portable battery radio, torch, and spare batteries.
Dried or canned food and a can opener.
Matches, fuel lamp, portable stove, cooking gear, and eating utensils.
First aid kit and manual, masking tape for windows, waterproof bags, and any critical medications in a safe, dry place.

👉 Create a shelter plan: Decide where you'll shelter inside your home (e.g., bathroom or hallway).
👉 Move vehicles: Park cars in a garage or on higher ground. If driving, stop away from trees, power lines, and streams.
👉 Prepare your pets: Have a leash, cage, toy, and food for your pet.
👉 Know your area: Be aware of the geography and flood risks.
👉 Prepare your caravan or trailer: Park it facing the wind, chock the wheels, and secure the roof and awnings.
👉 Screenshot the list of emergency phone numbers at the end of this post.
👉 Tune in to local radio/TV for further information and warnings.
👉 Check on neighbours, especially if they are new to the area, to offer help and ensure their safety.

IF THE CYCLONE STRIKES

Disconnect all electrical appliances and listen to your battery radio for updates.
Stay inside and shelter well clear of windows in the strongest part of the building (internal hallway or bathroom). Keep your emergency kit with you.
If the building starts to break up, protect yourself with mattresses, rugs, or blankets under a strong table or bench, or hold onto a solid fixture (e.g., a water pipe).
Beware of the calm 'eye.' If the wind drops, don’t assume the cyclone is over—violent winds will soon resume from another direction. Wait for the official 'all clear'.
If driving, stop (handbrake on and in gear) but well away from the sea and clear of trees, power lines, and streams. Stay inside the vehicle.

AFTER THE CYCLONE

Don’t go outside until officially advised it’s safe.
Check for gas leaks, but don’t use electric appliances if wet.
Listen to local radio for official warnings and advice.
If you had to evacuate, don’t return until advised. Use the recommended route and don’t rush.
Beware of damaged power lines, bridges, buildings, trees, and don’t enter floodwaters.
Heed all warnings and avoid sightseeing. Check/help neighbours instead.
Avoid unnecessary phone calls to keep lines clear for emergency services.

Stay safe - Admin Dom
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EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS (to screenshot)

Police, Fire, Ambulance: Triple Zero (000)
13HEALTH: 13 43 25 84
Biosecurity Queensland (stranded livestock): 13 25 23
Energex - Emergency 24/7: 13 19 62
Energex - Power outages 24/7: 13 62 62
Ergon Energy - Emergency 24/7: 13 16 70
Ergon Energy - Power outages 24/7: 13 22 96
Lifeline: 13 11 14
National Relay Service: 13 36 77
Poisons helpline: 13 11 26
Policelink (general enquiries): 13 14 44
Road traffic/travel info: 13 19 40
RSPCA QLD (Animal emergencies): 1300 264 625
RSPCA QLD (Lost & found): 1300 363 736
SES - Flood/storm assistance: 13 25 00
Translating & Interpreting Service: 131 450
Tsunami warning: 1300 878 6264
Unity Water - Faults & emergencies: 1300 086 489
Urban Utilities - Faults & emergencies: 13 23 64

11/02/2025

Just over ten years ago, Sandra woke one morning with an extremely bloated stomach — she immediately knew something was very wrong. 😮‍💨

Sandra was 67 and still working at the time. She'd been feeling very tired, had some niggly lower pelvic pain and just didn't feel right. She put it down to stress and menopause.

‘I woke up looking like I was nine months pregnant. I went to the doctor, who sent me straight for a scan and ultrasound,' Sandra said.

Sandra was diagnosed with stage four ovarian cancer. The cancer had spread from her ovaries to her stomach lining and lungs. She underwent chemotherapy (chemo) and went into remission in 2015.

Sandra’s story is not uncommon. Ovarian cancer symptoms can be mild and sometimes there may be no symptoms at all.

Symptoms (if they occur) can include:
📍 abdominal bloating, pain and loss of appetite
📍 feeling full quickly when eating and indigestion
📍 pelvic pain or pressure
📍 changes in wee and poo habits
📍 unexplained weight loss or gain
📍 tiredness for no reason
📍 unexpected vaginal bleeding (such as bleeding between periods, after menopause or after s*x).

Unfortunately, Sandra's cancer returned in 2020 and she's had chemo on and off since. Sandra stresses the importance of listening to your body and getting unusual symptoms checked straight away. She wishes she had.

'One thing I know we don’t do is read our body signs. If you have even the slightest changes, whether it be ongoing pain, lethargy, headaches, vomiting, diarrhoea — please, get it checked,' Sandra said.

If you notice symptoms of ovarian cancer or a change in your body that lasts for three weeks or more, see your healthcare provider immediately. 🩺

Thanks for helping us spread awareness of ovarian cancer, Sandra. You are one brave lady. ❤️

25/06/2024

13/06/2024

Thank you to all of our lovely patients for your support while we had our new reception counter installed!
Here are some photos of our amazing, newly renovated counter!
A BIG thank you to Matt from Kingfisher Carpentry. You did a fantastic job! 😃

09/02/2024

09/09/2022

Anapen® to be held in place for 3 seconds

Anapen®, one of two brands of adrenaline injectors available in Australia, has received approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to change the administration advice to hold the Anapen in place on the thigh for 3 seconds NOT 10 seconds. This is the same amount of time that EpiPen® should be held in place for. Research has shown that 3 seconds is long enough for the adrenaline to get into the leg.

Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia is working on updating our relevant resources to reflect this change.

How to administer the Anapen: White end on leg; press thumb on red.

1. Pull off black needle shield (a grey needle cap will also come off with the black needle shield)
2. Pull off grey safety cap from red button
3. Place needle end firmly against outer mid-thigh at 90° angle
4. Press red button so it clicks. Hold for 3 seconds. Remove the Anapen®.

The label on the Anapen has instructions on how to use it. If you have been prescribed Anapen, make sure your doctor has given you an ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis that is specific for Anapen. Anapen devices with the 3 second label should start to be in pharmacies in Australia from January 2023 onwards. Anapen devices with a 10 second label can continue to be used and injected for 3 seconds. If the Anapen is held in place for 10 seconds, it will not affect the way that the adrenaline works.

Anapen devices should not be replaced unless they have been used, are just about to expire or have expired

EDITED TO ADD: ASCIA has updated the Action Plan for Anaphylaxis for Anapen here:https://www.allergy.org.au/hp/anaphylaxis/ascia-action-plan-for-anaphylaxis

26/07/2022

After more than two decades, people who lived in the United Kingdom during the 'mad cow disease' outbreak (1980-1996) can now donate blood in Australia — blimey! 🩸

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood says that removing this rule still ensures that Australia's blood supply will remain one of the safest in the world. It could also allow for up to 58,000 additional donations each year!

Is this you? Register to become a donor today 👉 visit wwwlifeblood.com.au or call 13 14 95.

20/06/2022