Members of the ERGPA team at Healesville, Dr Farhat Arjmand and triage nurse Lyn Bell.By Kath Gannaway
THE Eastern Ranges GP Association (ERGPA) After Hours Medical Service at Healesville and Yarra Junction provides high quality medical care, after hours, for Yarra Valley families.
With 19 local doctors and five triage nurses, the service provides phone advice on 1300 766 858 between 5pm and 10pm weeknights and 12pm and 10pm weekends and public holidays.
Doctors are on site seven days a week at Healesville between 7pm and 10pm weeknights and 12pm and 10pm weekends and public holidays, and at Yarra Junction Monday, Thursday and Friday from 7pm to 10pm and 12pm to 6pm on weekends.
The friendly local doctors provide a service for people, who require urgent treatment for a range of conditions including sporting injuries, fever, severe cold and flu symptoms, foreign bodies in the eyes or ears, severe cramping or abdominal pain, minor burns, sprains and strains, minor cuts and lacerations, severe ear and toothaches.
ERGPA chief executive officer Kristen Michaels said anyone with symptoms of chest pain or severe shortness of breath should call an ambulance on 000 or go directly to the nearest emergency department.
Ms Michaels said recent patient surveys showed that patients of both clinics would highly recommend the service to their family and friends.
She said survey comments included: “It’s a wonderful service, keep up the good work”, “It has been a great peace of mind to know it’s there”, “The service was thorough and very caring” and “Thanks for being open”.
“When Yarra Valley families need a local GP after hours they should call 1300 766 858 and let the Eastern Ranges After Hours Medical Service take care of their them,” Ms Michaels said.
