Referral Pathways

Asthma Educator

Ear Nose and Throat

Paediatrician

Orthodontist

Maternal Aboriginal Health Worker & Midwife

                            

       

         

Appointments

Please ring 02 4229 9495 (Wollongong) or 02 4262 8777 (Dapto) for an appointment.  Every effort will be made to accommodate your preferred time.  Emergencies will always be given priority and our reception staff will attempt to contact you if the doctor has been called away.

Longer consultation times are available, so please ask our receptionist if you require some extra time.  Please inform the receptionist if the consultation is for more than one person.

Please let us know if you change your address or phone number.

After Hours Care Arrangements:

If you have an urgent medical situation you should go to Wollongong Hospital or Shellharbour Hospital Emergency Department or call an ambulance on triple zero (000) or 112 from your mobile telephone.

You can also call the Wollongong Radio Doctor on: 02 4228 5522 who can provide you with a home visit from a doctor Monday to Friday 7.00pm to 6.00am and from 12 midday on Saturday to 6am on the following Monday.

 

Home Visits and Telephone Access:

Home visits are available for regular patients whose condition prevents them from attending the centre.  Doctors in the centre may be contacted during normal hours.  If the doctor is with a patient a message will be taken and you will be advised by the receptionist when it is likely that the doctor will return your call.  Your call will always be put through to the doctor in an emergency situation after being screened by a Registered Nurse.

 

Fees and Billing Arrangements:

The Illawarra Aboriginal Medical Service bulk bills for all consultations.  Please bring your Medicare Card and Health Care Card/Pension Card with you when attending your appointment.

 

Reminder System:

Our service is committed to preventative health care.  We may issue you with a reminder notice from time to time offering you preventative health services appropriate to your care.  If you do not wish to be part of this system please let us know at reception.

 

Management of Your Personal Health Information:

Your medical record is a confidential document.  It is the policy of the IAMS to maintain security of personal health information at all times and to ensure that this information is only available to authorised members of staff.

Please ask for a copy of our ‘Privacy Information for Clients’ information sheet on your visit.

Your Rights:

If you have a problem we would like to hear about it.  Please feel free to talk to your doctor or reception or ask to see the CEO. 

You may prefer to write to us, or use our suggestion 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 IAMS there are several options available including The Medical Registration Board, Australian Medical Association or Health Care Complaints Commission at:

Health Care Complaints Commission     Telephone:02 9219 7444
Locked Bag 18 Strawberry Hills, NSW 2012.
Regional Freecall Number:1800 043 159

Services Available:

The Illawarra Aboriginal Medical Service Aboriginal Corporation has many services available to its clients – both medically and community focused.

Please help yourself to our pamphlets detailing these services, or ask  Reception for more information.

How You Can Actively Participate in Your Health Care Within the IAMS:

1.       Take part in decisions about your health and care

2.       Ask questions and let staff know your concerns

3.       Ask for information about your condition or treatments

4.       Keep a list of all the medicines you are taking and bring it with you on your visits

5.       Make sure you understand the medicines you are taking – ask questions

6.       Get the results of any tests or procedures you have undergone

7.       Talk about your options if you need to go into hospital

8.       Make sure you understand what will happen if you need surgery or a procedure

9.       Make sure you, your doctor and anyone else involved agree on what will be done for your health care

10.   Before you leave hospital, ask for information about what you will need to do at home and let your doctor or Aboriginal health worker be aware.