Peppertree GP Medical Centre

31/12/2025

NSW Health is warning the public of multiple high-dose M**A (ecstasy) tablets in circulation in NSW, found to contain a higher dose than is usually expected.

The tablets were detected by the NSW Government’s Drug Checking service at Lost Paradise music festival on Monday 29 December and Tuesday 30 December on the Central Coast of NSW. Images and more information are available at Public drug warnings.

NSW Poisons Information Centre, Acting Medical Director and Clinical Toxicologist Dr Angela Chiew said although detected on the Central Coast, it is important to know these tablets could be circulating anywhere in the state.

“We are urging the community to be extra cautious this New Years Eve and be aware that high dose M**A is circulating in the community,” Dr Chiew said.

“M**A can cause severe agitation, raised body temperature, seizures or fits, irregular heart rhythm and death.

“These risks are greatly increased if M**A is used in combination with other stimulants, such as amphetamines or co***ne, or if high amounts are consumed over a short period of time.

“The amount of M**A in a tablet or capsule can vary significantly, even within the same batch.”

Hot environments increase the risk of harm from M**A. Taking a break from dancing, seeking shade and drinking water are important measures to reduce the risk of overheating.

“It is very important to remember if you or a friend has taken drugs and feel unwell, you won't get into trouble for seeking medical care. If you or a friend feels unwell, please seek help immediately by calling Triple Zero (000),” Dr Chiew said.

For information about the potential adverse effects of M**A, please contact the NSW Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.

For support and information with alcohol, M**A and other drugs, please contact the Alcohol and Drug Information Service on 1800 250 015. This is a 24/7 service offering confidential and anonymous telephone counselling and information.

NSW Users and AIDS Association (NUAA) also provides a range of harm minimisation resources and advice and can be reached on 1800 644 413.

18/12/2025

Just a courtesy reminder for next week of our opening hours over the holiday period.

If you need to access healthcare outside of these hours, please visit our website at www.peppertreegp.com.au and click on the Patient Hub section.

15/12/2025

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) can be serious. If you live, work or travel to an area where there is risk of the virus, it is important to stay protected.

People who were vaccinated before they were 18 years old, during pregnancy, or who have a weakened immune system may need to get a booster dose.

Speak to your GP, pharmacist or Aboriginal Medical Service and ask if you are due for a JEV booster vaccination.

For more n formation, visit:
www.health.nsw.gov.au/jevaccine

15/12/2025

Following the tragic incident at Bondi Beach, Lifeblood has issued urgent calls for O negative blood across NSW. Fewer than 7% of Australians have this blood type, and it’s critical in emergencies when a patient’s blood type is unknown.

To donate blood or plasma, visit www.lifeblood.com.au/donor-centre, call 13 14 95 or download the free Lifeblood app.

For more information on the Bondi Beach attack, including mental health support and victim support services, visit nsw.gov.au/go/bondi-beach-tragedy

14/12/2025

Mosquitoes can spread serious diseases in NSW, including Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), which is preventable by a vaccine.

Protect yourself and loved ones this summer.

Speak to your GP, pharmacist or Aboriginal Medical Service today about a free JEV vaccine is you live or work in areas of high JEV concern.

Some providers may charge a fee for consultation or administration of the vaccine.

Check if you are eligible for a free JEV vaccine here:
www.health.nsw.gov.au/jevaccine

14/12/2025

With the arrival of summer, NSW Health is urging people to protect themselves from mosquito bites after earlier than expected detections of two mosquito borne viruses that can cause brain swelling.

The first detection of Japanese Encephalitis virus in mosquitoes for the 2025-2026 season was detected last week in mosquitoes collected from the Horsham Rural City Council region in Victoria.

Another mosquito borne virus, Kunjin virus, has also been detected in Western NSW at Cowra, through a sentinel chicken blood sample on 20 November 2025 as part of NSW Health’s routine surveillance.

NSW Health's Director Health Protection, Dr Stephen Conaty, said these detections so early in the summer season are concerning.

“Mosquito numbers will likely increase with warmer weather, and we remind everyone in NSW to protect themselves against mosquito bites, which can cause diseases such as Japanese Encephalitis and Murray Valley Encephalitis, and infection with Kunjin virus, Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus," Dr Conaty said.

There are now 60 NSW LGAs that are considered to be higher risk of Japanese Encephalitis virus. Residents and travellers to these LGAs should take particular care to avoid mosquito bites.

“There is a safe, effective and free vaccine to protect against Japanese Encephalitis (JE). This vaccine is free to anyone who lives or routinely works in these 60 LGAs west of the dividing range and in northern NSW, and for people who work in some other high-risk occupations.”

JE vaccine is available through General Practitioners, Aboriginal health services and pharmacists. People who meet the eligibility criteria should make an appointment ahead of time and let the provider know it is for the JE vaccine. These providers may require a few days’ notice so they can order the vaccine and may charge a consultation fee.

A booster dose may be recommended for some people with ongoing risk of exposure, one to two years after completing their primary course.

Other than the JE vaccine, there is no vaccination or specific treatment for Kunjin virus or other mosquito borne diseases in Australia. The best way to avoid infection is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, which are more active between dusk and dawn.

To prevent mosquito bites:

- apply repellent to exposed skin. Use repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Check the label for reapplication times
- re-apply repellent regularly, particularly after swimming. Be sure to apply sunscreen first and then apply repellent
- wear light, loose-fitting long-sleeve shirts, long pants, socks and covered footwear
- avoid going outdoors during peak mosquito times, especially dawn and dusk
- use insecticide sprays, vapour dispensing units and mosquito coils to repel mosquitoes (mosquito coils should only be used outdoors in well-ventilated areas)
- cover windows and doors with insect screens and checking there are no gaps
- remove items that may collect water such as old tyres and empty pots from around your home to reduce the places where mosquitoes can breed
- use repellents that are safe for children. Most skin repellents are safe for use on children aged three months and older. Always check the label for instructions
- use an infant carrier draped with mosquito netting to protect infants aged less than three months, secured along the edges
- while camping, use a tent that has fly screens to prevent mosquitoes entering or sleep under a mosquito net.

Information on eligibility for a free JE vaccine is available here: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/infectious/jev/pages/vaccination.aspx

Mosquito borne diseases cannot be transmitted directly between humans or from any other animal.

For further information on JE virus and ways to protect yourself, visit https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/mosquitoes

26/11/2025

26/11/2025

We were thrilled to welcome back The Bone Bus for the last three days, providing improved access to bone density scanning.

In collaboration with The Bone Bus and REFRAME Osteoporosis, we have been running a quality improvement initiative aimed to improve osteoporosis management by identifying patients with diagnosed osteoporosis who are non-adherent or have ceased their medications, supporting them to continue essential treatment and also to assess patients aged over 70 for their osteoporosis risk.

19/10/2025

New opening hours for Laverty pathology at Peppertree GP.

Apologies for the disruption and inconsistent service recently.

Pleased be advised that Laverty have informed us that they will be open Wednesday - Friday 8:30am - 3:00pm. They will be closed on a Monday and Tuesday and at weekends.

16/10/2025

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

If you have any concerns or questions, please book an appointment with your GP.

21/09/2025

A historic milestone for rural healthcare.

Rural Generalist (RG) recognition is now official, with Rural Generalist Medicine formally recognised as Australia’s newest specialty field.

This achievement is the result of decades of advocacy and leadership by ACRRM, our members and partners, who have championed the vital role that Rural Generalists play in meeting rural, remote and First Nations community health outcomes. Rural Generalists deliver comprehensive primary care together with specific emergency care and advanced specialised services in procedural and non-procedural practice.

This milestone will help attract, train, and retain more doctors where they are needed most, ensuring communities can continue to access the high-quality care they deserve, close to home.

This is just the beginning. Together, we are shaping a stronger future for rural healthcare.

Read more: https://bit.ly/42wijTy