Home doctor service battles flu

A new home doctor service is seeking to relieve pressure on public health systems in the wake of an alarming start to the flu season.

House Call Doctor is an entirely bulk-billed medical service that fills the demand for health care for patients not necessarily required to present to hospitals.

The service launched in Toowoomba yesterday after bringing the start date forward almost two months.

It will service all Toowoomba suburbs including Highfields and out-lying areas.

Chief executive officer Wayne Ormond said the original launch date of September 1 had been brought forward due to the increased demand for doctors.

“This flu season is particularly bad both with influenza A and B,” he said.

“It is a particularly nasty season so the demand is certainly there and I know that through talks with the (Toowoomba) emergency departments.”

House Call Doctor has a team of 14 doctors on staff, of which three are on shift at nights.

The service runs from 6pm-8am weeknights, and noon Saturdays through to 8am Mondays.

Mr Ormond said the service would also be available 24 hours on public holidays.

“It coincides with the times when emergency departments are at overflow because of category four and five patients,” he said.

“It does take a lot of pressure off emergency departments.

“Where our service really helps the community is to the vulnerable that can’t get into a GP during the day or certainly can’t afford to go to an after-hours clinic that charges.”

He said the service was “100 per cent bulk billed” for Medicare and Department of Veteran Affairs card holders, and worked with major health insurers which meant overseas and international students were able to access medical staff.

“Toowoomba is an area where you can get from one side to the other within 20 minutes,” Mr Ormond said.

“We will keep expanding where the demand is needed.”

Phone House Call Doctor on 135566 or book online at housecalldoctor.com.au.

Regions serviced

  • Toowoomba City
  • Highfields
  • Charlton
  • Westbrook
  • Kleinton
  • Hodgson Vale
  • Withcott
  • Wyreema
  • Surrounding areas

Original Source: The Chronicle | Tara Miko | 13th Jul 2015