SEMPHN

18/02/2026

More support is here for patients at the Dandenong Medicare Urgent Care Clinic 💙

Since opening, the clinic has supported over 60,800 visits, helping people get urgent care without needing to go to a busy emergency department. In fact, more than half of patients say they would have otherwise gone to an ED.

A funding boost will support extra clinicians during busy times, helping people access free, GP-led urgent care sooner.

📍 Open 14 hours a day, 7 days a week
👉 Learn more https://ow.ly/j8jv50YglyB

18/02/2026

SEMPHN is pleased to share the successful general practices that will be delivering the Multicultural Access Program across the Local Government Areas of Casey and Greater Dandenong.

Congratulations to:
- Dandenong West Medical Centre
- Duff Street Medical Centre
- Keys Medical Centre
- Casey Gate Medical Centre
- Doveton Medical Centre
- Noble Medical Centre
- Shalimar House Medical Centre
- Botanic Ridge Doctors
- Stud Road Medical Centre
- Cranbourne West Medical Centre
- Dandenong Village Medical Centre
- Goldcare Medical Centre

The Multicultural Access Program aims to strengthen access, experience and health outcomes for multicultural communities.

👉Learn more about the program here -

Welcome to South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (SEMPHN). We fund health services across south eastern Melbourne and work with health professionals to improve health outcomes across the catchment.

17/02/2026

Did you receive your QI BBPIP payment?

The first quarterly Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program (BBPIP) payments have been processed by Services Australia. Practices and providers registered for BBPIP and who have met all eligibility criteria should now have received their initial payment.

👉 Learn how to investigate missing payments here -

The first quarterly Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program (BBPIP) payments have been processed by Services Australia, and theAustralian Government has launched a new campaign to inform Medicare-eligible patients how to find bulk billed GP care.

10/02/2026

Broken bone? Urgent — but not an emergency? 💚

In this video, paediatric nurse Sarah Hunstead shares her positive experience at a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic after breaking her foot — receiving quick assessment, pain relief, an X-ray referral and the treatment she needed.

Medicare Urgent Care Clinics are a great option for urgent, non-life-threatening injuries that can’t wait for a regular GP appointment.

SEMPHN commissions Medicare UCCs across south east Melbourne to help communities get the right care, at the right time — without always needing to visit a busy Emergency Department.

Find your nearest clinic 👉 https://ow.ly/asTU50Y9Lvr

🚨 For emergencies, call 000.

05/02/2026

Join SEMPHN, in collaboration with the Monash Health South East Public Health Unit (SEPHU), for this important two-part webinar series discussing falls prevention and dementia rehabilitation strategies.

➡️Falls Prevention Showcase (webinar 1) – Local Programs, Pathways and Practical Strategies (18 February)
➡️Allied Health in Dementia Rehabilitation (webinar 2) – Strengthening Primary Care Pathways (25 February)

Learn more and register here:
Webinar 1 – https://ow.ly/XIVK50Y8Af2
Webinar 2 - https://ow.ly/6NnS50Y8Af3

04/02/2026

Need care today, but not an emergency? 💚

Visit a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic. They’re bulk billed, open early and late, and you can walk in without an appointment.

UCCs are for urgent issues that can’t wait — but don’t need an Emergency Department.

🚨 For emergencies, call 000.
🩺 For routine care, visit your GP.

SEMPHN commissions Medicare UCCs across south east Melbourne to help you get the right care, at the right time.

Find your nearest clinic in south east Melbourne at https://ow.ly/XjjT50Y46Rq

03/02/2026

Today is Primary Health Care Nurses Day, and we’re taking this opportunity to showcase the inspiring journey of a south east Melbourne-based nurse, Nicole Prest, to increase her ability to care for patients. With support from Safety Beach Medical and Wellness, former practice nurse Nicole was able to train to become a nurse practitioner, which has led to patients being able to book appointments sooner and often at a lower cost.

👉 Read Nicole’s story: https://www.semphn.org.au/celebrating-innovation-in-general-practice

Nurses like Nicole play an important role in prevention, early intervention, connection and community care. Thank you to Nicole and all the primary health care nurses who support the health and wellbeing of the south east Melbourne community and millions of people across Australia.

Have you been supported by a fantastic nurse or nursing team? Tag them and comment below on why you think they’re amazing.

02/02/2026

Important update: Listed exposure sites now include areas within the South Eastern Melbourne catchment, including Sandringham, Koo Wee Rup, and Bangholme.

Anyone who has visited a listed exposure site during the dates and times specified should monitor for symptoms of measles and follow the instructions provided.

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

02/02/2026

After more than a decade supporting digital care across south east Melbourne, SEMPHN will be saying farewell to Florence from 31 March 2026.

Florence has helped clinicians support patients beyond the consultation room through digital health messaging. We thank Generated Health for their long-standing partnership and contribution to digital care in our region.

As care continues to evolve, we’re moving into the next phase of digital innovation. Florence will remain available until 31 March 2026, and we look forward to sharing what’s next.

For more info visit the SEMPHN website https://ow.ly/FQnh50Y5Lko

27/01/2026

Back to school means getting back into routines — and sometimes dealing with unexpected injuries.

For kids, teens and adults, Medicare Urgent Care Clinics are a great option for urgent, non-life-threatening injuries that need to be seen the same day.

SEMPHN commissions Medicare Urgent Care Clinics across south east Melbourne to help families get the right care, without always needing to visit a busy Emergency Department.

Find your nearest clinic in south east Melbourne at https://ow.ly/Gn8E50XWwiA

🚨 In an emergency, always call 000.

24/01/2026

23/01/2026

Severe heatwave conditions and fire dangers are in place over the weekend and are expected to persist well into next week.

While extreme heat can affect anyone, people who are young, older, pregnant, have acute or chronic health problems, are socially isolated or have limited ways to keep cool are more at risk.

Tips to protect yourself and others:
💦 Stay cool. Use air conditioning and/or a fan. Wear light and loose clothing. Keep skin wet, using a spray bottle or a damp sponge and by taking cool showers. If you can’t keep cool at home, think about where you can go on hot days to cool down, such as public pools or air-conditioned buildings.
🫗 Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water. Keep drinking fluids before you feel thirsty, especially if outdoors and performing physical activity.
☎️ Check in with family, friends and neighbours. Let people know you are OK and check in with those at increased risk or who may need your support. Look out for those who might be more affected by extreme heat.
📆 Plan ahead. Watch the weather forecast and plan activities at cooler times of day.
🚫 Hot cars kill. Never leave kids, adults or pets in cars. The temperature inside a parked car can double within minutes.
🧑‍⚕️ If needed, call Nurse-On-Call on 1300 60 60 24 or contact Victorian Virtual Emergency Department at https://www.vved.org.au/
👮‍♂️ In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).

For more information:
• Bureau of Meteorology heatwave warnings: https://www.bom.gov.au/warning/heatwave-warning/IDV21013
• Better Health Channel advice for extreme heat - https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/extreme-heat
• VicEmergency: https://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/
• CFA total fire bans and danger ratings: https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/fire-bans-ratings-and-restrictions/total-fire-bans-fire-danger-ratings

Know the effects of extreme heat, who is at risk and how you can prepare yourself and others.