Patient Information

Welcome to Gatton Medical Centre.
We are committed to providing safe, high-quality and patient-focused healthcare.

The following information has been designed to help you understand our practice policies, patient rights and responsibilities and the range of services available to support your health and wellbeing.

APPOINTMENTS

Appointments can be made by phoning (07) 5462 1855, visiting the clinic in person or by using our online booking system via HotDoc.

Consultations are by appointment; however, patients presenting without one will be fitted in at the earliest available time. Urgent medical matters are always prioritised.

Please check in with reception upon arrival to avoid unnecessary delays.
If you are unable to attend your appointment, please cancel at least one hour in advance.

Every effort is made to run on schedule, but delays can occur due to emergencies, walk-in patients or longer consultations. To help us manage appointment times effectively, please advise reception if your consultation may take longer for example, for medicals, post-natal checks, pap smears, counselling, excisions or if more than one family member requires attention.

CONTINUITY OF CARE AND DOCTOR OF YOUR CHOICE

Our practice endeavours to help you see the doctor of your choice whenever possible.

We understand that a consistent doctor–patient relationship enhances communication and continuity of care. If your preferred doctor is unavailable, our detailed record system ensures another doctor can continue your care seamlessly.

PATIENT TEST RESULTS

Patients are generally required to return for a consultation to discuss their test results preferably with the doctor who ordered them.

If results require urgent attention, you will be contacted. Please ensure reception has your current contact details to facilitate this process.

DISABILITIES AND ACCESSIBILITY

Our practice caters for patients with special needs and disabilities. If you experience any difficulty, please speak with our staff, who are happy to assist.

Our facility features wide entrance doors and accessible access for patients using wheelchairs or walking aids.

RESULTS AND FOLLOW-UP

Practice staff will contact patients if urgent results require attention.
It is important that you book a follow-up appointment with your doctor to discuss all investigation results, including blood tests, imaging or endoscopy reports.

A normal result does not always mean there are no underlying issues further assessment may sometimes be necessary.

REMINDER SYSTEM

We are committed to preventive healthcare. You may receive reminders via mail, email or telephone for services such as immunisations, screening or follow-up tests.

Please keep your address and contact details up to date.
If you prefer not to participate in reminder systems, please inform our staff.

PRESCRIPTIONS

Patients must be reviewed before repeat prescriptions are issued. This allows your doctor to assess your progress and ensure ongoing medication suitability.

If you are on your last repeat, please book an appointment early to avoid running out. Scripts will not be issued without review. If you are due to run out before your appointment, you may leave a message for your doctor via reception.

REFERRALS

To access higher Medicare rebates for specialist services, a current referral from your GP is required.
Referrals cannot be backdated under Medicare regulations.

Please check with your specialist’s office before your appointment to ensure your referral is up to date. If not, you will need to see your GP prior to your specialist visit.

PHONE CALLS

If you wish to speak with your doctor, you may leave a message with reception. Your doctor will return your call as soon as possible.

Emergency calls during business hours will be transferred directly to a doctor. Non-urgent calls will be recorded and the doctor will respond when available.

If your matter concerns a medical issue, it may be more appropriate to book an appointment.

Transfer of Medical Records

If you wish to transfer your health records to Gatton Medical Centre, please complete a Transfer of Medical Records Form available at reception.
Other clinics may charge a fee for record transfer.

If you are transferring records from this practice to another, your new clinic should contact us directly.
A health summary can be provided free of charge; however, a small fee applies for larger files (more than five pages). Please speak to reception for a quote. Fees must be paid prior to transfer.

Informed Patient Decisions

Our doctors are committed to helping patients make informed decisions about their healthcare.
You will be informed of the purpose, benefits, risks and costs of any recommended investigations or treatment.

While our preference is for patients to attend the clinic for consultations, home visits may be arranged under specific circumstances for patients who are acutely unwell, immobile or elderly. Fees may apply.

Patient Rights and Feedback

Gatton Medical Centre values patient feedback as part of our commitment to continuous improvement.

You can provide feedback by:

Using the suggestion box in our waiting area
Responding to post-appointment text or email surveys
Speaking directly with your doctor, practice manager or reception staff

If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of our service, please let us know so we can address your concern.

For unresolved complaints, you can contact:
Office of the Health Ombudsman (Queensland)
Phone: 133 646
Website: www.oho.qld.gov.au/make-a-complaint

Prescribing Drugs of Addiction

Gatton Medical Centre follows strict prescribing policies for controlled substances.
New patients will not be prescribed Schedule 8 (S8) or restricted Schedule 4 medications during their first visit.
Prescriptions for drugs of dependence require prior approval from the Monitored Medicines Unit (MMU) and are issued only under appropriate clinical guidelines.