Media release: Changes to Eastern Ranges After Hours Medical Service (ERAHMS)

23 June, 2016

EMPHN previously operated two after-hours medical clinics, one in Healesville and the other co-located at the Angliss Hospital in Upper Ferntree Gully.

Healesville:

The Healesville service has moved from its original location and has become part of the GP clinic at the Healesville Hospital, Yarra Valley Community Medical Service. The service commenced operating from its new location in early July.

This change occurred because PHNs are have been directed not to operate direct services. We recognise the need of the Healesville and surrounding Upper Yarra community to continue to have access to after-hours medical care. Eastern Melbourne PHN provides funding to Eastern Health to enable the service to continue as an extension of their clinic.

GPs need to ensure their after-hours arrangements for patients contain the new details, including on answering machine messages, websites and patient information leaflets.

The clinic will continue to provide after-hours GP services on weeknights, weekends and public holidays and the hours of operation will remain the same.

Monday – Friday 7.00 pm – 10.00 pm

Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays 12.00 midday – 8.00 pm

Patient’s medical records have been transferred to the Yarra Valley Community Medical Service and patients can request to have their record transferred to the GP of their choice.

The new address is:

377 Maroondah Highway, Healesville
Phone: 1300 793 622
Email: info.yvcms@easternhealth.org.au

Angliss:

The Angliss service has ceased to operate after Sunday 26 June 2016. There is no longer a need for this service due to increased availability of GPs in the area and increased locum coverage. There are a number of existing after hours GP services and home visiting doctors available in the local area. Patients can call the After Hours GP Helpline on 1800 022 222 or search the National Health Services Directory at www.nhsd.org.au to find a service that is open after hours.

Practices may need to alter their existing after-hours arrangements. If you have any questions regarding after hours support please contact Susan Rice on susan.rice@emphn.org.au.

Patient’s medical records will be transferred to the Yarra Valley Community Medical Service and patients can request to have their record transferred to the GP of their choice.

For more information, please call Lisa Paulin at Eastern Melbourne PHN on 9046 0300.