Hamilton Medical Group

06/02/2026

There has been a recent increase in measles cases in Victoria linked to overseas travel, with a total of six cases to date in 2026.

There is an ongoing risk of measles importation in travellers returning from overseas and interstate.

💉 People born during or after 1966 who have not had two doses of MMR vaccine, or are unsure of their vaccination status, are advised to get vaccinated for measles.

👶 Infants aged 6 to 11 months can receive a state-funded dose of MMR vaccine prior to overseas travel through their GP or Aboriginal Health Service.

ℹ️ Measles is a highly infectious viral disease that can lead to uncommon but serious complications, such as pneumonia and brain inflammation (encephalitis).

👉 Exposure: New public exposure sites have been identified.
People who have attended the listed exposure sites, during the specified dates and times contained within the link below, should monitor for symptoms of measles.

⚠️ Symptoms: Anyone who develops symptoms of measles should seek medical care. Wear a mask and call ahead to make sure you can be isolated from others.

For the full list of these exposure sites, symptoms to monitor for, and information about vaccinations: https://go.vic.gov.au/4qnsd38

05/02/2026

The Hamilton Medical Group would like to welcome our second new doctor to the practice, Dr Sean Qui. He will be consulting Tuesdays to Fridays.

Sean has worked in the Hamilton Hospital Emergency Department for the past two years.

He grew up in Canberra and, prior to moving to Hamilton, worked predominantly in general surgery and urology in Queensland.

Outside of work, Sean is a self-confessed foodie who enjoys watching and playing sport and loves travelling.

To book an appointment with Dr Sean Qui please contact the clinic on 5572 2422, online via HotDoc or in person.

04/02/2026

The Hamilton Medical Group would like to welcome Dr Tausif Sawdagar to the practice as a GP Registrar.

Tausif was working in the Hamilton Emergency Department prior to the clinic. He has moved to Hamilton permanently with his young family.

Tausif grew up in rural/regional Victoria (Wangaratta), and has returned to rural living post training to benefit those often underserved community.

He is an avid hiker, photographer and wildlife enthusiast. In his spare time Tausif enjoys fitness and cycling.

Tausif commenced consulting on Tuesday 3 February and he will be working Mondays to Thursdays at the clinic. Bookings can be made online, by phoning the clinic on 5572 2422 or calling into the clinic in person.

02/02/2026

New exposure sites include Wye River, Apollo Bay, Lorne, Cape Otway and Princetown, if you have been in those areas in the past month check the link below for a full list of exposure sites, symptoms to monitor for, and information about vaccinations: https://go.vic.gov.au/3Z8iYbT

Three new measles cases in recently returned overseas travellers have been reported in Victoria.

💉 People born during or after 1966 who have not had two doses of MMR vaccine, or are unsure of their vaccination status, are advised to get vaccinated for measles.

👶 Infants aged 6 to 11 months can receive a state-funded dose of MMR vaccine prior to overseas travel through their GP or Aboriginal Health Service.

ℹ️ Measles is a highly infectious viral disease that can lead to uncommon but serious complications, such as pneumonia and brain inflammation (encephalitis).

👉 Exposure: New public exposure sites have been identified.
People who have attended the listed exposure sites, during the specified dates and times contained within the link below, should monitor for symptoms of measles.

⚠️ Symptoms: Anyone who develops symptoms of measles should seek medical care. Wear a mask and call ahead to make sure you can be isolated from others.

For the full list of these exposure sites, symptoms to monitor for, and information about vaccinations: https://go.vic.gov.au/3Z8iYbT

30/01/2026

Cervical screening is an essential tool in preventing cervical cancer – but many people are unsure if, or when, they need a test.

This Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, we've teamed up with RANZCOG to develop a guide to help you understand who needs screening, when to see a GP, and how often a Cervical Screening Test is recommended.

The Cervical Screening Test checks for human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes almost all cases of cervical cancer. Detecting HPV early saves lives by helping prevent cancer before it develops. You can choose to have a healthcare provider collect the sample using a speculum and small brush, or you can self-collect the sample using a small swab. Both options are equally as accurate at detecting HPV.

💬 If you are experiencing symptoms you are concerned about, or are unsure what applies to you, speak with your GP.

29/01/2026

Impetigo, also known as school sores, is a common bacterial skin infection that causes sores which often start as blisters, then pop, weep and form crusts.

Unfortunately, the chances of them infiltrating your home are more likely than not, especially with going back to school.

School sores spread easily through skin-to-skin contact (hard to avoid with kids), especially when bacteria enter through broken or irritated skin - like scratches, bites, eczema or after illnesses such as chickenpox. They’re also very itchy, and scratching makes it easy for the infection to spread to others.

What’s important to know:
Children with impetigo must be kept home from school or childcare until treatment has started. Good hand washing and personal hygiene also help prevent spread.

Where to get help:
If you think your child has impetigo, your community pharmacist is a good place to start. They can assess the sores and give advice on next steps.

Chemist Care Now allows Victorians to receive some treatments at a local chemist, just like school sores, without needing to see a doctor to get a prescription first.

Give your chemist a call before you go to check what treatments are available for school sores, or if you need to book ahead.

For less complicated cases, treatment is now available at participating chemists through Chemist Care Now.

If the infection is more severe, or not suitable for treatment at the chemist, the pharmacist will refer you to a GP for care.

For more: https://go.vic.gov.au/3NxoUIU

24/01/2026

The Hamilton Medical Group will be closed

📆 Monday 26 January - Public Holiday for Australia Day.

The Hamilton Medical Group will reopen at 8.30am on Tuesday 27 January.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency please call 000 or present to Western District Health Service Accident and Emergency Department.

🇦🇺🇦🇺 ENJOY YOUR AUSTRALIA DAY LONG WEEKEND 🇦🇺🇦🇺

15/01/2026

A new measles case has been reported in Victoria in a returned traveller from South-East Asia.

There is an ongoing risk of measles importation in travellers returning from overseas and interstate.

ℹ️ Measles is a highly infectious viral disease that can lead to uncommon but serious complications, such as pneumonia and brain inflammation (encephalitis).

👉 Exposure: New public exposure sites have been identified.
People who have attended the listed exposure sites, during the specified dates and times contained within the link below, should monitor for symptoms of measles.

⚠️ Symptoms: Anyone who develops symptoms of measles should seek medical care. Wear a mask and call ahead to make sure you can be isolated from others.

For the full list of these exposure sites, symptoms to monitor for, and information about vaccinations: https://go.vic.gov.au/3YDvQqg

07/01/2026

Victoria, it may be hard to get a restful night's sleep during this heatwave. 🫠

The Bureau of Meteorology predicts balmy overnight temperatures during this hot stretch. 🛌🏻

Back-to-back days of extreme heat along with high overnight temperatures can interfere with your body’s natural ability to cool down, and can cause heat illness, including cramps and heat exhaustion. If left untreated, this can lead to heatstroke, which is a life-threatening illness. 🌡️

To help combat the overnight heat, you can do the following:

🪟 Ensure your windows are closed and your blinds or curtains are drawn during the day and overnight
🏠 Use air conditioning or a fan to keep your home cool.
👕 Wear light, loose clothing
🚿 Take a lukewarm shower before bed
🛏️ Use cotton or linen sheets to make your bed
💧 Drink some water if you happen to wake up overnight

To learn more about keeping yourself and your family safe during this heatwave, click this link: www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/extreme-heat.

06/01/2026

From Mildura to Mallacoota, Ringwood to Rutherglen - summer has arrived in Victoria.

Much of the state is set to experience heatwave conditions this week.

Keep you and your loved ones safe:

🏠 Use air conditioning or a fan to keep your home cool.

👚 Wear light, loose clothes.

💧 Drink plenty of water, especially if you’re outdoors or physically active.

🌅 Plan activities for the coolest parts of the day.

👴 Look out for those with an increased risk of heat-related illness. Check in with family, friends and neighbours.

🌡️ Check the weather forecast via www.bom.gov.au/

☀️ Learn more about heat health at: www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/extreme-heat.

05/01/2026

A prolonged period of heat is forecast over Victoria this week, peaking on Tuesday and continuing until Saturday.

What you should do:
🥵 Extreme heatwaves can be dangerous for everyone.
🌡Severe heatwaves can be dangerous for many people, especially older people, babies, children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, people with medical conditions and people who are unwell.
🏨 Seek a place to keep cool, such as your home, a library, community centre or shopping centre.
🏡 Close your windows and draw blinds, curtains or awnings early in the day to keep the heat out of your home.
💨 If available, use fans or air-conditioners to keep cool.

For further safety information before, during and after heatwaves, visit the Victorian Department of Health website: www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/campaigns/survive-heat

04/01/2026

If you’re one of the 80% of people that get cold sores, they might seem totally random at first!
But did you know cold sores are often triggered by things happening in your body or around you? 👀

Common triggers are: sun exposure, strong winds, cold temperatures, illness, hormone changes, fatigue and stress ☀️🧠

The good news? Most cold sores clear up on their own! You can use cold sore creams or pain relief to help manage symptoms and speed up healing.