T. (02) 4283 3433 F. (02) 4283 1955 reception@woononamedical.com.au
44 Hopetoun Street,
Woonona NSW 2517
Dharawal Country
Monday to Friday 7:30am - 6:30pm
Saturday 9am - 12:30pm
Closed on public holidays
Joining Woonona Medical Practice Mid-February 2025
Dr Walker graduated from Warwick Medical School in 2007 and did her GP training in London, qualifying in 2013 with an extra year spent in a rural hospital in South Africa. She has spent the last 10 years working as a GP partner in Cornwall where she was also a GP trainer and the clinical director of the local primary care network.
Dr Walker has additional qualifications including the Diploma of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (UK), the Diploma from Faculty of Sexual Health and Reproductive Health (UK), letters of competence for IUD and Implanon insertion and removal, as well as the Management of Menopause Certificate from the British Menopause Society.
Dr Walker enjoys all aspects of general practice with special interests in:
Dr Walker will be working alongside Dr Katie Kent and Dr Ella Cameron in our popular Perimenopause and Menopause clinics.
Call the practice from 1st February 2025 or book online via Hotdoc to make an appointment with Dr Walker.
| Mon | Tues | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dr Brad Jackson graduated from the University of Wollongong Medical School in 2016, a big change from his previous career as a surveyor in Sydney. Brad worked as a junior doctor in hospitals in the Illawarra/Shoalhaven and is now completing his GP specialist training, working towards Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.
Outside of medicine Brad enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, bushwalking, camping, surfing and mountain biking.
Dr Jacksons special interests include:
| Mon | Tues | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Once a month |
Dr Alyce Prior is a local graduate from Wollongong University. After years of working in the local health district she completed extra training Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology before she found her passion in General Practice. Alyce has completed extra certificates in Paediatrics, Women’s Health, Skin Cancer and Aesthetic Medicine. She has a passion for Adolescent health and mental health along with preventive health particularly around weight loss and works in our weight loss clinic.
Dr Prior’s special interests are:
| Mon | Tues | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Once a month |
Dr Daniel Darlington was born in The United Kingdom and graduated from King’s College London in 2013. He completed his General Practice Training in Southampton in 2018 and moved to the Illawarra in 2019 to work as a General Practitioner. He enjoys getting to know his patients and providing personalised care in all aspects of health.
Prior to working at Woonona Medical Practice he developed an interest in Occupational Medicine, gaining the Postgraduate Certificate in Occupational Medicine, he continues to treat workplace injuries.
With previous experience in Sport and Event Medicine, he enjoys managing musculoskeletal complaints.
Being able to manage the whole family in General Practice is important to Dr Daniel Darlington, provides antenatal shared care and treats children and adolescents.
Dr Daniel Darlington is developing a special interest in Men’s Health and is currently undertaking the Professional and Advanced certificate in Men’s Health which he hopes will provide him with further expertise in managing male complaints.
In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, trail running and road cycling.
| Mon | Tues | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Anna grew up in Melbourne and moved to Dunedin, New Zealand to study Exercise Science. She worked in Wellington and then London before moving to Wollongong to complete her MD at the University of Wollongong. She has worked in hospitals throughout the Illawarra and Shoalhaven from Milton to Wollongong on her way to general practice.
She has completed the Sydney Child Health Programme (previously known as Diploma of Child Health) and Family Planning NSW Certificate of Sexual Health.
Anna’s special interests include: Paediatrics, Women’s health, Sexual health
In her spare time Anna enjoys ocean swimming, yoga and spending time with her young family.
| Mon | Tues | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AM | Once a month |
Dr Ella Cameron was born in the UK but grew up in Singapore. She attended medical school in the UK, graduating from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne in 2002. She worked in both England and Australia before settling in Wollongong in 2007.
Before general practice, Ella worked for some years in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and has maintained her interest in women’s health. She provides antenatal shared care with Wollongong Hospital and carries out Implanon (contraceptive implant) and IUD (Mirena, Kyleena and copper IUDs) insertions. Ella holds the Diploma of the Royal Australian College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Ella is a member of the Australian Menopause Society.
Ella has completed a Diploma in Child Health and has a special interest in skin cancer medicine (Certificates in Primary Care Skin Cancer Medicine, Dermoscopy and Skin Cancer Therapeutics).
Ella values the variety of general practice and the opportunity to get to know patients over time.
Her special interests include:
Women’s Health including menopause and IUDs
Paediatrics
Mental Health
Aboriginal Health
Outside of work, Ella is married with two children and a dog.
Dr Cameron’s books are currently closed to new patients (with the exception of appointments for IUD insertion, menopause assessment, and medical termination, please tell reception if you are booking for one of these).
| Mon | Tues | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Once a month |
Dr Christina Dargham was born and raised in Wollongong and completed her Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (with distinction) at the University of Wollongong. After working in many of the local hospitals (Wollongong, Shellharbour, Port Kembla and Nowra hospitals) she began working in general practice and has not looked back.
Christina enjoys all aspects of general practice but has a particular interest in:
In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family, travel and good food.
| Mon | Tues | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Once a month |
Joe is originally from Devon in the UK. He has been a Doctor for over 20 years, having originally qualified from the University of Manchester Medical School in 2001. He has travelled widely and then worked in Darwin in 2003 before returning to Exeter in Devon to complete his GP specialist training. For the last 15 years Dr Kent has been working as a full time GP and moved to the Illawarra in January 2019.
Dr Kent is a GP Trainer, supervisor and Medical Educator.
He is a Regional Academic Leader / Clinical Senior Lecturer at the University of Wollongong Graduate Medical School where he teaches on Wednesday and Thursdays.
He holds membership of the Royal College of General Practitioners (UK) and fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.
Aside from Medical education Dr Kent has special interests in:
Outside of work he loves getting outside into the beautiful Illawarra with his family. He can be found attempting surfing, kiteboarding and sailing and is into to trekking and off-road running.
| Mon | Tues | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Once a month |
Dr Katie Kent was born in Oxford, UK but spent her childhood in Africa and attended medical school in the UK (St Andrews University & Manchester University) qualifying in 2000. She spent 2 years in Blackpool UK before travelling around the world, ending up in Darwin NT in 2003 where she worked for 6 months at Darwin Hospital.
Returning to the UK she completed her GP training in 2006.
Additional qualifications include Diploma of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (DRCOG), Diploma in Family Planning/Contraception (DFSRH) and Certificate in Intermediate Competency Training for Sexual Health. Dr Kent is a member of the Australian Menopause Society. In addition to general practice she has worked in a contraception clinic and sexual health clinic. She enjoys all aspects of General Practice. Dr Kent’s special interests include:
Dr Kent has special appointments available for menopause here at the surgery – please book these via reception. Due to the specialist service offered, there are additional out of pocket costs.
She returned to Australia in 2019 with her husband (also a GP), 3 children, dog (Hungarian Vizsla). In her spare time she enjoys running, walking the dog, cooking, reading and travelling (when she gets the chance!).
Dr Kent’s books are currently open to new patients.
| Mon | Tues | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Once a month |
Dr Stephen Lyon grew up in the Illawarra before moving to Canberra to study anthropology and environmental science at the Australian National University BArts/Science (Hons). He became interested in health during this time and decided to pursue a Diploma of Herbal Medicine and become a yoga teacher whilst completing a Bachelor Medicine (Hons) at Newcastle University.
Steve moved back to Wollongong in 2002 and worked in Hospitals throughout the Illawarra before joining Woonona Medical Practice in 2006. Steve enjoys all aspects of medicine (from paediatrics to geriatrics) and has a particular interest in mental health (having worked for 5 years at Headspace Illawarra) and integrative medicine (integrating complementary and mainstream medicine). He has completed a Diploma of Child Health and training with ACNEM (Australian College of Nutritional & Environmental Medicine), ACMN (Australian College of Medical Nutrition) and Bio Balance Australia.
Steve is married to a Naturopath/Herbalist and has 2 children. In his spare time he enjoys cycling, yoga, gardening and soccer.
Dr Lyon’s books are currently CLOSED to new patients. He does not keep a waiting list for new patients.
Dr Lyon is running an Intregrative Health Clinic at Woonona Medical Practice. Please contact reception on 4283 3433 for further enquiries or to make a booking. New patients bookings are currently closed.
| Mon | Tues | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A.M | A.M (Alternate) | Once a month |
Dr Adele Stewart finished her medical degree at University of NSW in 1990. She was sent to Wollongong hospital for her internship much to her horror… and has lived and worked in the area ever since! She did general practice training in Scotland on a years sabbatical with her husband Dave and completed her training and fellowship exams in 1995 while working at Woonona Medical Practice.
Over the years she has enjoyed the variety that general practice offers as well as the privilege of getting to know patients and their families so well over the years. In recent years Dr Adele has become increasingly fascinated in the mind-body connection and now specialises in Mindfulness & Pain Explained. She is encouraging her existing General Practice patients to choose a second GP at the practice as her availability will continue to reduce.
She has two grownup children and enjoys yoga, meditation, qigong, attending theatre and reading.
| Mon | Tues | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P.M | Once a month |
Woonona Doctor David Stewart was brought up in Glasgow, and completed his general practice training in Scotland. He moved to Wollongong/the Illawarra in 1990, planning on staying for 12 months, but has remained ever since. He lives locally with his wife and family, and is interested in all aspects of general practice.
He has completed the Professional Diploma of Skin Cancer Medicine from Bond University and currently runs a skin cancer clinic.
Dr Stewart is also available for the following services:
In his spare time he supports the mighty South Sydney Rabbitohs, and plays drums in a local rock band.
| Mon | Tues | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A.M | A.M |
With a dedicated team of compassionate healthcare professionals and a commitment to providing comprehensive and personalised care, we are your trusted partner in achieving and maintaining optimal well-being.
Joining Woonona Medical Practice Mid-February 2025
Dr Walker graduated from Warwick Medical School in 2007 and did her GP training in London, qualifying in 2013 with an extra year spent in a rural hospital in South Africa. She has spent the last 10 years working as a GP partner in Cornwall where she was also a GP trainer and the clinical director of the local primary care network.
Dr Walker has additional qualifications including the Diploma of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (UK), the Diploma from Faculty of Sexual Health and Reproductive Health (UK), letters of competence for IUD and Implanon insertion and removal, as well as the Management of Menopause Certificate from the British Menopause Society.
Dr Walker enjoys all aspects of general practice with special interests in:
Dr Walker will be working alongside Dr Katie Kent and Dr Ella Cameron in our popular Perimenopause and Menopause clinics.
Call the practice from 1st February 2025 or book online via Hotdoc to make an appointment with Dr Walker.
| Mon | Tues | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dr Brad Jackson graduated from the University of Wollongong Medical School in 2016, a big change from his previous career as a surveyor in Sydney. Brad worked as a junior doctor in hospitals in the Illawarra/Shoalhaven and is now completing his GP specialist training, working towards Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.
Outside of medicine Brad enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, bushwalking, camping, surfing and mountain biking.
Dr Jacksons special interests include:
| Mon | Tues | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Once a month |
Dr Alyce Prior is a local graduate from Wollongong University. After years of working in the local health district she completed extra training Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology before she found her passion in General Practice. Alyce has completed extra certificates in Paediatrics, Women’s Health, Skin Cancer and Aesthetic Medicine. She has a passion for Adolescent health and mental health along with preventive health particularly around weight loss and works in our weight loss clinic.
Dr Prior’s special interests are:
| Mon | Tues | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Once a month |
Dr Daniel Darlington was born in The United Kingdom and graduated from King’s College London in 2013. He completed his General Practice Training in Southampton in 2018 and moved to the Illawarra in 2019 to work as a General Practitioner. He enjoys getting to know his patients and providing personalised care in all aspects of health.
Prior to working at Woonona Medical Practice he developed an interest in Occupational Medicine, gaining the Postgraduate Certificate in Occupational Medicine, he continues to treat workplace injuries.
With previous experience in Sport and Event Medicine, he enjoys managing musculoskeletal complaints.
Being able to manage the whole family in General Practice is important to Dr Daniel Darlington, provides antenatal shared care and treats children and adolescents.
Dr Daniel Darlington is developing a special interest in Men’s Health and is currently undertaking the Professional and Advanced certificate in Men’s Health which he hopes will provide him with further expertise in managing male complaints.
In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, trail running and road cycling.
| Mon | Tues | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Anna grew up in Melbourne and moved to Dunedin, New Zealand to study Exercise Science. She worked in Wellington and then London before moving to Wollongong to complete her MD at the University of Wollongong. She has worked in hospitals throughout the Illawarra and Shoalhaven from Milton to Wollongong on her way to general practice.
She has completed the Sydney Child Health Programme (previously known as Diploma of Child Health) and Family Planning NSW Certificate of Sexual Health.
Anna’s special interests include: Paediatrics, Women’s health, Sexual health
In her spare time Anna enjoys ocean swimming, yoga and spending time with her young family.
| Mon | Tues | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AM | Once a month |
Dr Ella Cameron was born in the UK but grew up in Singapore. She attended medical school in the UK, graduating from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne in 2002. She worked in both England and Australia before settling in Wollongong in 2007.
Before general practice, Ella worked for some years in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and has maintained her interest in women’s health. She provides antenatal shared care with Wollongong Hospital and carries out Implanon (contraceptive implant) and IUD (Mirena, Kyleena and copper IUDs) insertions. Ella holds the Diploma of the Royal Australian College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Ella is a member of the Australian Menopause Society.
Ella has completed a Diploma in Child Health and has a special interest in skin cancer medicine (Certificates in Primary Care Skin Cancer Medicine, Dermoscopy and Skin Cancer Therapeutics).
Ella values the variety of general practice and the opportunity to get to know patients over time.
Her special interests include:
Women’s Health including menopause and IUDs
Paediatrics
Mental Health
Aboriginal Health
Outside of work, Ella is married with two children and a dog.
Dr Cameron’s books are currently closed to new patients (with the exception of appointments for IUD insertion, menopause assessment, and medical termination, please tell reception if you are booking for one of these).
| Mon | Tues | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Once a month |
Dr Christina Dargham was born and raised in Wollongong and completed her Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (with distinction) at the University of Wollongong. After working in many of the local hospitals (Wollongong, Shellharbour, Port Kembla and Nowra hospitals) she began working in general practice and has not looked back.
Christina enjoys all aspects of general practice but has a particular interest in:
In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family, travel and good food.
| Mon | Tues | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Once a month |
Joe is originally from Devon in the UK. He has been a Doctor for over 20 years, having originally qualified from the University of Manchester Medical School in 2001. He has travelled widely and then worked in Darwin in 2003 before returning to Exeter in Devon to complete his GP specialist training. For the last 15 years Dr Kent has been working as a full time GP and moved to the Illawarra in January 2019.
Dr Kent is a GP Trainer, supervisor and Medical Educator.
He is a Regional Academic Leader / Clinical Senior Lecturer at the University of Wollongong Graduate Medical School where he teaches on Wednesday and Thursdays.
He holds membership of the Royal College of General Practitioners (UK) and fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.
Aside from Medical education Dr Kent has special interests in:
Outside of work he loves getting outside into the beautiful Illawarra with his family. He can be found attempting surfing, kiteboarding and sailing and is into to trekking and off-road running.
| Mon | Tues | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Once a month |
Dr Katie Kent was born in Oxford, UK but spent her childhood in Africa and attended medical school in the UK (St Andrews University & Manchester University) qualifying in 2000. She spent 2 years in Blackpool UK before travelling around the world, ending up in Darwin NT in 2003 where she worked for 6 months at Darwin Hospital.
Returning to the UK she completed her GP training in 2006.
Additional qualifications include Diploma of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (DRCOG), Diploma in Family Planning/Contraception (DFSRH) and Certificate in Intermediate Competency Training for Sexual Health. Dr Kent is a member of the Australian Menopause Society. In addition to general practice she has worked in a contraception clinic and sexual health clinic. She enjoys all aspects of General Practice. Dr Kent’s special interests include:
Dr Kent has special appointments available for menopause here at the surgery – please book these via reception. Due to the specialist service offered, there are additional out of pocket costs.
She returned to Australia in 2019 with her husband (also a GP), 3 children, dog (Hungarian Vizsla). In her spare time she enjoys running, walking the dog, cooking, reading and travelling (when she gets the chance!).
Dr Kent’s books are currently open to new patients.
| Mon | Tues | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Once a month |
Dr Stephen Lyon grew up in the Illawarra before moving to Canberra to study anthropology and environmental science at the Australian National University BArts/Science (Hons). He became interested in health during this time and decided to pursue a Diploma of Herbal Medicine and become a yoga teacher whilst completing a Bachelor Medicine (Hons) at Newcastle University.
Steve moved back to Wollongong in 2002 and worked in Hospitals throughout the Illawarra before joining Woonona Medical Practice in 2006. Steve enjoys all aspects of medicine (from paediatrics to geriatrics) and has a particular interest in mental health (having worked for 5 years at Headspace Illawarra) and integrative medicine (integrating complementary and mainstream medicine). He has completed a Diploma of Child Health and training with ACNEM (Australian College of Nutritional & Environmental Medicine), ACMN (Australian College of Medical Nutrition) and Bio Balance Australia.
Steve is married to a Naturopath/Herbalist and has 2 children. In his spare time he enjoys cycling, yoga, gardening and soccer.
Dr Lyon’s books are currently CLOSED to new patients. He does not keep a waiting list for new patients.
Dr Lyon is running an Intregrative Health Clinic at Woonona Medical Practice. Please contact reception on 4283 3433 for further enquiries or to make a booking. New patients bookings are currently closed.
| Mon | Tues | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A.M | A.M (Alternate) | Once a month |
Dr Adele Stewart finished her medical degree at University of NSW in 1990. She was sent to Wollongong hospital for her internship much to her horror… and has lived and worked in the area ever since! She did general practice training in Scotland on a years sabbatical with her husband Dave and completed her training and fellowship exams in 1995 while working at Woonona Medical Practice.
Over the years she has enjoyed the variety that general practice offers as well as the privilege of getting to know patients and their families so well over the years. In recent years Dr Adele has become increasingly fascinated in the mind-body connection and now specialises in Mindfulness & Pain Explained. She is encouraging her existing General Practice patients to choose a second GP at the practice as her availability will continue to reduce.
She has two grownup children and enjoys yoga, meditation, qigong, attending theatre and reading.
| Mon | Tues | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P.M | Once a month |
Woonona Doctor David Stewart was brought up in Glasgow, and completed his general practice training in Scotland. He moved to Wollongong/the Illawarra in 1990, planning on staying for 12 months, but has remained ever since. He lives locally with his wife and family, and is interested in all aspects of general practice.
He has completed the Professional Diploma of Skin Cancer Medicine from Bond University and currently runs a skin cancer clinic.
Dr Stewart is also available for the following services:
In his spare time he supports the mighty South Sydney Rabbitohs, and plays drums in a local rock band.
| Mon | Tues | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A.M | A.M |
Australia has one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world. According to the Cancer Council, about two in three Australians will be diagnosed with a skin cancer before the age of 70. Some of our GPs have done further training in the diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions, if you would like a comprehensive skin check, please book an appointment with one of the doctors below.
Nurturing the future, one young life at a time.
At Woonona Medical Practice we believe in fostering the health and well-being of the youngest members of our community. With a dedicated team of compassionate healthcare professionals, we provide expert care, guidance, and support tailored specifically to the unique needs of children and adolescents. Your child’s health, happiness, and future are our top priorities, and we are here to ensure they thrive every step of the way.
In response to patient feedback, we aim to ensure sick children under the age of 16 can be seen by a doctor on the day. Book online or if there are no available appointments please call reception as early in the day as possible.
All consultations at Woonona Medical Practice are strictly confidential.
Empowering men to thrive in every aspect of life.
We understand that maintaining optimal well-being is essential for leading a fulfilling life. Our experienced team of healthcare professionals specialises in comprehensive men’s health services, focusing on prevention, early detection, and personalised treatments. Whether you’re seeking routine check-ups, screenings, or specialized consultations, Woonona Medical Practice provides a confidential and supportive environment where you can discuss your health concerns openly. We prioritise your comfort and health, offering tailored solutions that empower you to make informed decisions about your well-being.
Empowering and supporting women through every stage of life.
There are many common health issues that Australian women face on a day to day basis, such as:
Woonona Medical Practice prides itself on giving its patients quality service where the time is taken to listen carefully to their concerns and help them find solutions.
Call reception for more information about these appointments.
Who are we?
Dr Katie Kent and Dr Ella Cameron are both GPs with an interest in women’s health who offer appointments solely dedicated to perimenopause and menopause. The initial appointment lasts for one hour as there is a huge amount to discuss. This time is needed to make informed choices about your menopause journey and it is very hard to cover everything comprehensively in less than this time. They need to take a comprehensive medical and family history, arrange any specific investigations if relevant, and then discuss all the options individually tailored to each person (complementary/hormonal/non hormonal).
Both Dr Cameron and Dr Kent have decades of experience in women’s health, they value the opportunity to spend time to fully explore the complex issues that menopause can bring. They both follow evidence based current guidelines in their treatment plans.
Dr Kent qualified as a doctor in 2000 and as a GP in 2006 in the UK. Alongside GP work, Dr Kent has worked in both a specialised sexual health and contraception clinic in Exeter, UK.
She has undertaken additional training in menopause in the UK.
Dr Kent has always been interested in women’s health with additional exams done in the UK (DRCOG, DFSRH) and also additional sexual health and menopause training.
Dr Cameron graduated from medical school in the UK in 2002, she worked for some years in obstetrics and gynaecology in hospitals in the UK and Australia before entering general practice in 2010. She holds the Diploma of the Royal Australian College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
Embracing hope, healing minds: your path to mental wellness.
Woonona Medical Practice offer mental health practitioners who offer assistance in diagnosing and treating mental illness. The service assists in all forms of mental illness and upon diagnosis can provide patients with a Mental Health Treatment Plan and a referral to a psychologist if appropriate. Making a double appointment for a mental health appointment is always recommended.
Dr Adele Stewart has a special interest in evidence based MBI (Mindfulness Based Interventions). She is registered to provide Focussed Psychological Strategies and practices in a trauma sensitive manner. Dr Adele offers IFS (Internal Family Systems) therapy and ACT Therapy (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)
MiCBT (Mindfulness integrated Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)
Adele is also a registered MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction) teacher and runs courses most school terms, please click here for further information.
Although she does not currently take on new General Practice patients, visitors to the Practice for MBI are welcome and anyone is welcome to have a one off brief appointment with no out of pocket cost to discuss their suitability for any of the above MBI.
Where ancient healing meets modern science.
Until recently patients in Wollongong trying to access medicinal cannabis faced a trip to a pain specialist in Sydney, or ended up accessing it illegally. It is to try and make this process easier and safer that Woonona Medical Practice is now offering this service.
Commonly asked questions:
Is it legal?
Yes, cannabis can be legally prescribed as long as certain conditions are met. Cannabis products can contain 2 active ingredients – CBD and THC – and while currently it is illegal to drive with THC in your system (whether it has been taken recreationally or on prescription) it is legal to drive with CBD in your system. People who drive, or those who have drug tests for employment purposes, will usually be prescribed CBD only products.
What illnesses can it help with?
There have been many conditions which advocates of cannabis say can be helped by the drug but research evidence is often lacking. The best evidence for benefit is for chronic pain especially neuropathic (nerve) pain, anxiety/depression, and insomnia. The response to cannabis is unpredictable, and often it is impossible to know how effective it will be until you try it.
It is important to note that cannabis is not a first choice treatment for any condition, and other treatments should always have been tried first before considering cannabis.
Will it make me “high”?
THC is the chemical in cannabis responsible for the “high” in recreational cannabis. In medicinal use it is combined with CBD which blocks this effect, so no, it won’t make you “high”. Sometimes when starting off, particularly if you have never used cannabis before, people can be a little sedated so usually we start at a low dose and gradually build up the dose until benefit is obtained – “start low and go slow”
How much does it cost?
Medicinal cannabis is not covered by the PBS, and usually not by private health funds either, so cost can be an issue. Cost varies depending on the dose required but is usually in the order of $5-10 per day. Medicinal cannabis appointments at WMP are not bulk billed so you will be approximately $60 out of pocket.
Is it safe?
Yes, there has never been a recorded death from a cannabis which is more than can be said for many widely available drugs like opioid pain killers, sleeping tablets, and alcohol. There are some situations where cannabis would not be appropriate, such as pregnancy, breast feeding, history of major mental illness, history of drug dependency, and in children.
How do I arrange a prescription?
At WMP we ask that patients make a 30 minute appointment to discuss their reasons for wanting to try cannabis. For patients who do not routinely attend WMP we prefer that they come with a letter from their usual doctor outlining their medical history. We prefer that patients continue to see their usual doctor for their medical care, and WMP is only responsible for supervising their cannabis prescriptions. For regular patients of WMP this referral letter is not required, the doctor will similarly only be responsible for your cannabis prescriptions, and you are encouraged to continue with your usual GP at WMP for the rest of your care.
If after the first appointment a trial of cannabis seems appropriate, approval has to be sought from the NSW Department of Health before a prescription can be written. As this usually takes a few days, you will be asked to return a week later and the prescription will be done at that appointment. This prescription can be taken to your usual chemist who will then order the cannabis.
Usually you will be reviewed after 1-2 weeks to adjust the dose. Once an effective dose is reached, review visits are 1-2 monthly
Your journey to a healthier, happier you starts here.
At Woonona Medical Practice we have a team of dedicated health professionals working with a multifaceted approach to help guide you towards your weight management goals. All patients will see one of our GP’s with special interest in weight management (Dr Christina Dargham, Dr Bradley Jackson, Dr Joe Kent or Dr Alyce Prior) and be recommended to see a dietitian. We are lucky to have dietitian and fitness trainer Malcolm Gibbs working out of our practice and with an interest in weight management. Referrals to specialists such as bariatric surgeon or endocrinologists may be recommended depending on individual circumstances. Depending on your circumstances and medical history medication may be considered in addition to lifestyle changes.
This program is not suitable to for children.
Process
If you are interested in attending a consult regarding the weight management clinic you can obtain an information pack from reception or receive one at your first visit.
Please call reception to book your first consult and let them know it is for weight management clinic as a long appointment is needed. Your first consult will be 30 minutes (long appointment see fees page).
Patients on the program will require long term follow up with regular standard appointments (see fees page) and our lovely nursing staff. Dietitian follow-up is likely to be necessary for all patients and will be arranged depending on your individual circumstances.
Experience clarity, embrace comfort: precise ear care awaits.
We are one of the only general practices in the North of Wollongong to offer this service. Microsuction is an ear wax cleaning technique using a high powered binocular microscope and a gentle suction device. It is the same technique used by Ear, Nose and Throat specialists and is safer and usually superior to other methods such as water syringing (somewhat higher risks of ear drum trauma and ear infections) and ear candling (little or no evidence of any effect).
Method
A disposable speculum (the same as when the doctor usually examines your ears) is inserted into your ear canal. The nurse and/or doctor examines the ear canal and ear drum through the microscope. A suction tube is put gently into the ear canal and ear wax and debris is suctioned out under direct view until you have a clean ear. Occasionally a fine disposable wax hook may be used to remove stubborn wax with direct vision from the microscope.
Who performs the procedure?
Trained nurses and doctors perform this procedure. If you have any problem other than ear wax you will need an appointment with the doctor. Either way a doctor will always check your ear/s at your appointment.
Fees
Please speak to reception upon booking for the fees and out of pocket costs. Please note, even if wax is not present a consult fee will still be charged.
Making an appointment
We are open to new patients for this service. Call reception for information and to book an appointment.
Empowerment begins with access.
Woonona Medical Practice staff advocate for equality in life outcomes and we aim to provide culturally safe and accessible health care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our community.
Close the Gap
We welcome existing patients of the practice and new patients who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander to register for the Close the Gap program at Woonona Medical Practice to access better health care.
Individuals registered in the program can receive:
The Close the Gap program is for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people only and it is not compulsory.
If you would like to find out more about Close the Gap at Woonona Medical Practice, please call the practice.
T. (02) 4283 3433 F. (02) 4283 1955 reception@woononamedical.com.au
44 Hopetoun Street,
Woonona NSW 2517
Dharawal Country
Monday to Friday 7:30am - 6:30pm
Saturday 9am - 12:30pm
Closed on public holidays
We acknowledge the Dharawal people who are the traditional owners of the land that Woonona Medical Practice is located on and pay respect to their elders past, present and future.
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