Services

WAMS Accreditation

WAMS is the first Aboriginal Medical Service in NSW to be accredited (April 2001) with the (National) Quality Improvement Council (QIC) / (State) Quality Management Service (QMS).

We are also accredited for our general practice facilities with Quality Practice Accreditation Plus.

This is a major achievement for us, and we recognise the ongoing commitment required to ensure these Accreditations continues.

More recently WAMS have been involved in developing our service for Accreditation. Accreditation means that a health service, such as hospitals, community health centres and even AMSs, have met standards of clinical practices, administrative management, working with other agencies and conducts programs according to client and community needs. The past three years saw Directors and staff work together to meet these standards. A formal review was conducted and we have been informed that WAMS are recommended for Accreditation.

This recommendation has gone to a national body for endorsement. In September 2001 WAMS have received Certification. We are the first AMS in NSW to be an Accredited health service. Such status will reinforce the professional level of health care that WAMS provide equal to and above some of the mainstream health services.

Appointments & Consultations

GP appointments can be made by contacting reception. A standard consultation is 30 minutes long. If you require a longer appointment please inform reception staff. You have the right and are encouraged to participate in decisions about your healthcare during your consultation.

Walk-In Appointments

You will be triaged by a nurse who will determine whether you can be fitted in with a GP without a prior appointment. Not all patients who get triaged will be able to see the GP on the day of presentation unless clinically indicated.

Practice hours

Consultations with the GPs are by appointment during business hours; Monday to Friday 8.30am – 1pm and 2pm - 5.pm. The practice is closed on Public Holidays. To make an appointment contact us on 6820 3777.

Available services

GP Clinic, preventative health screening, chronic disease management, child health and immunisations, dental, family health, sexual health, mental health support, drug and alcohol counselling, antenatal and post natal care. Allied Health Services including podiatry, speech therapy, occupational therapy, psychology, optometry, audiology, dietetics, Goonimoo Mobile Children’s Playgroup, and various visiting specialists.

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Additional Services

Eye Health, Men's Sexual Health, Mental Health, Podiatry, Transport, Drug and Alcohol program, Bringing Them Home program, Location Supported Program, Exercise Physiology, Dietician, Ear Health, Dental and Midwifery program

Aboriginal Health Worker (AHW) Support

If you wish to have a AHW present during your appointment, this can be arranged.

Home Visits

Home visits are not routinely performed, however if clinically appropriate, these can be arranged for WAMS regular patients.

Care outside normal opening hours

Walgett Health Service in partnership with Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service Limited (WAMS) has an agreement in place to provide appropriate medical care and services within its limits to all clients of WAMS who require medical attention any time. Please ring the hospital number 6828 6000 or 000 in an emergency.

Patient Recall System

Patients will be contacted regarding test results requiring follow-ups.

Phone Calls to GPs and Emergency Calls

Incoming calls for a GP will be passed on to the GP who will respond accordingly. Reception staff will not interrupt the GP when in consultations unless it is urgent. In the event of an emergency, your call may be put through to a clinically appropriate staff member OR the receptionist may be required to contact 000 on your behalf. WAMS is not responsible for any costs incurred by calling an ambulance.

Results

We will contact you to make an appointment with the GP if there are results that need to be discussed. This may be in the form of a recall letter, SMS or phone call. Results will not be given over the phone.

Accommodation Support Update: Accessing Dubbo Hospital for care:

For more information about the accommodation support program, please click on the following link :

pdf icon FAQ Accomodation Support

ABOUT OUR SERVICE

Reminder & Recall System

WAMS is committed to preventative healthcare. We may send you reminders for preventative health screening that is appropriate to your care. Immunisation information will be passed onto the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) at a National level. Information will also be passed onto the NSW Cervical Screening Register and National Screening Register as appropriate. If you do not wish to be a part of our reminder system, or do not want any information released to national screening registers, please inform WAMS staff.

Fees and billing arrangements

WAMS GP, allied health and specialist services are all bulk billed for anyone with a valid Medicare card. Dental fees are dependent on your Health Care Card or Pension Card status. Some referred services may incur a fee, and you will be informed of this at the time of referral. Work Cover and employment medicals will be invoiced accordingly.

To make appointments

Please ring 6820 3777 for an appointment. WAMS will make every effort to accommodate your preferred appointment time. Emergencies will always be given priority and our staff will triage patients to cater to their immediate health needs at presentation time.

Transport

Transport will be provided for those patients unable to access WAMS services. Out-of-town transport to specialist services can be provided as far as Orange or Tamworth, ONLY for regular WAMS patients who have been referred by a WAMS GP. Please speak to our reception staff for more information.

Interpreter Services

If you require communication assistance, such as interpreting services, please inform reception staff when you are making your appointment.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Management of your Personal Health Information

To provide the best care, WAMS will routinely be asking for your personal information to ensure we have your details up to date. This will include asking for your full name, date of birth, contact phone number and address every time you present to WAMS or speak with our staff. We will also request your Medicare Card, and Pension and Health Care Card details as necessary. We are committed to maintaining the confidentiality of your health information. Any personal information is obtained for the good of your health care only. We will not release any personal information without your consent.

Updating your details

If you have not been into the practice for a while we may need to update your details on our computer system. The reason for maintaining updated information is very important in order for us to provide you with a high standard of care.

To ensure that we are in a position to provide the best and most appropriate services and referrals for you or your family we require the following information from you at reception:

  • Your full name and Your date of birth
  • Your current contact details including address, phone number, contact in case of an emergency
  • Whether you are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin
  • Your current Medicare and/or health care card numbers
  • Any allergies you may have

When you make your next visit please take the time to provide reception staff with your updated details so that your medical records remain current.

Patient Feedback and Complaints

WAMS welcomes any concerns, feedback or suggestions about its services. If you wish to provide feedback, please either speak to one of our staff or complete a patient feedback form located in reception. WAMS will endeavour to respond to any complaints within 14 days.

You may prefer to write to us or use our suggestion / complaints box. We take your concerns, suggestions and complaints seriously. However, if you wish to take the matter further and feel that you need to discuss the matter outside of the surgery there are several options available including the Medical Registration Board, Australian Medical Association (AMA) or Health Care Complaints Commission at:

You can also contact the NSW Health Care Complaints Commission on:

Phone: 1800 043 159 (toll free)

Write to: HCCC NSW, Locked Bag 18, Strawberry Hills NSW 2012

Website: www.hccc.nsw.gov.au

Goonimoo

35 Wee Waa Street

Gilbert Lodge Units Accommodation

Gilbert Street

Community Hall

35 Pitt Street

Administration

33 Wee Waa St

Community Garden

Corner of Arthur and Duff Streets

Dental

Dundas Street