Long Consultations
We recommend that you schedule a longer appointment for women’s health, musculoskeletal injuries, mental health consultations or if you wish to discuss several issues with your GP.
Results
Patients are requested to phone reception or schedule an appointment to receive their test results. Patients will be asked to confirm their name, address and date of birth for privacy reasons prior to being given test results over the phone. Results will only be released directly to the patient, legal guardian of the patient or a medical power of attorney; unfortunately we cannot release results to family members.
New patients
Our three medical centres have GPs welcoming new patients. Visit ufsmedical.com.au/newpatient for more information. Please note that UFS Medical doctors will not prescribe drugs of dependence to new patients (e.g. Oxycontin, Endone, Valium, Temazepam, Xanax, Oxazepam, etc.)
Online bookings
Online bookings are available via HotDoc for most of our GPs. Visit ufsmedical.com.au/book
SMS Service
UFS Medical offers an appointment text message reminder service via HotDoc. A reminder text message will be sent to you the day prior to your appointment. Please see our reception staff if you wish to be included in this service.
Recall & Reminder Systems
UFS Medical has a recall and reminder system in place for all patients requiring follow up appointments for immunisations, Pap tests, health assessments, care plans and other investigations. These reminders are sent via HotDoc to your mobile phone and will require a smartphone to respond via the link. If you are unable to respond please phone your medical practice to book an appointment. The SMS will include the UFS Medical logo and phone number and will require you to verify your identity with requested information. If you are unsure about responding to such a message, please call our reception staff.
If you do not wish to be included in the recall and reminder service, please advise your practitioner at your next visit.
Travel Medicine
UFS Medical located in Doveton Street is registered as an Australian Government Accredited Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre and holds International Certificates of Vaccination Prophylaxis. Doveton Street GPs offer all travel vaccinations, as well as International Certificate of Vaccination booklets. Sebastopol and Windermere Street GPs offer all travel vaccinations excluding Yellow Fever. For more information please click here.
Phone & Email Correspondence
To provide the highest quality and safety of care for our patients, our practitioners prefer to see patients to discuss their healthcare. Phone and email messages will be passed on to your practitioner where appropriate.
Interpreter
Interpreter services can be arranged for consultations. Please let our reception staff know if you would like an interpreter scheduled for your next consultation.
After-Hours Care
The Ballarat Priority Primary Care Centre (PPCC) provides medical care when it’s urgent but not an emergency, and is open from 10am to 10pm every day of the year (including weekends and public holidays). The centre is staffed by a team of GPs and nurses to provide immediate medical care for non life threatening injuries or illnesses. The Ballarat PPCC is located at 4 Windermere Street, Ballarat.
If you require after-hours care, please phone (03) 5364 9100 and follow the instructions for the after-hours service. For all emergencies please attend the Emergency Department at Ballarat Health Services (5320 4000) or St. John of God Hospital (5320 2126) or dial 000.
Pharmacies
UFS Healthcare Ltd have pharmacies located in close proximity to all UFS Medical centres. For more information regarding pharmacy locations, please go to UFS Healthcare Ltd. The Sturt Street UFS Pharmacy located at 717 Sturt Street is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Medical Students
UFS Medical proudly supports the next generation of medical students from Deakin University and The University of Melbourne, as well as nursing students from Federation University. Signage is placed in the waiting area when we have medical and nursing students in the medical centres, and consent forms are available for patients to sign. Please let reception or your practitioner know if you do not wish to participate in a student consultation.
Management of Personal Health Information
It is policy at UFS Medical to maintain the security of personal health information at all times. You have the right to access your personal (and health) information under legislation. The Privacy Act 1988 and Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) govern health service providers’ and other organisations’ obligations to give patients access to their personal health information on request.
You have the right to request access to, and correction of, your personal information. Our practice acknowledges patients may request access to their medical records. We require you to put this request in writing or by using our ‘Request for Transfer of Medical Records’ forms, and our practice will respond within a reasonable time.
Feedback, Suggestions or Complaints
UFS Medical values continuous improvement and takes complaints and feedback seriously. If you are not satisfied with our service, please contact us. If you remain dissatisfied with our response, you may wish to contact the Health Complaints Commissioner (HCC). The HCC responds to complaints about health services and the handling of health information in Victoria. Their service is free, confidential and impartial. To lodge a complaint with the HCC: fill out a complaint form online at www.hcc.vic.gov.au or phone 1300 582 113 during business hours.
Accredited General Practice
UFS Medical centres are all proudly accredited general practices. What does this mean? That we strive to provide excellence in healthcare and meet the high standards set by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).