General Practice
As with all clinicians at NEST, the GPs develop a close relationship with patients, offering the highest quality of care delivered in a confidential and trusting manner.
We welcome patients to contact us to discuss their care options and make an appointment with any of our wonderful GPs. Currently, NEST has a number of female GPs who are all accepting new patients.
Our GPs are also strongly supported by other clinicians in the NEST family, including our Practice Nurses who assist with childhood immunisations and other aspects of nursing care.
NEST is a fully private billing clinic. Patients are required to pay a fee for GP consultations and receive Medicare rebates for this service.
Travel Health
Travel is exciting, but there are risks such as you or your family catching a disease you would not normally come across. Australia’s routine vaccine schedule does not cover diseases that can be present in other countries, so there may be vaccines that are suggested to protect you and your family.
There are many other things to think about, such as protecting yourself from insect bites, unsafe food, and sexually transmissible infections. Children are often at higher risk of contracting diseases overseas and it is important to ensure you and your family are well prepared no matter where you are travelling too. At NEST we provide information for individuals to manage their health risk associated with travel. We recommend a travel consultation 6-8 weeks prior to travel, however travellers can still benefit from a consultation closer to travelling. NEST is yellow fever accredited and we offer a comprehensive range of vaccines and tailored travel advice. Other important considerations include advice regarding malaria, rabies and altitude sickness. If attending an appointment for travel health we ask you bring along your travel itinerary and a list of all previous vaccines given, for each member travelling.
*NEST does not administer the BCG Vaccine (for TB).
Shared Care
Shared Care is an alternative for antenatal/obstetric care where your pregnancy care is divided between your GP and the hospital. This means that you will have some of your appointments with your GP and others with the hospital. One of the distinct advantages of Shared Care is that the family can then continue with the Shared Care GP as the family doctor as the kids grow, which for many families is a special touch.
Dr. Claire Toohey and Dr. Amanda Scott are two of NEST’S experienced GPs who offer an obstetric Shared Care service. With many years of experience in this area, they all share NEST's view that any family can experience personalised, compassionate and expert care during this exciting time. Dr Toohey is affiliated with Sandringham hospital and Dr Scott is affiliated with Sandringham Hospital, Monash Hospital, Royal Women’s Hospital & Box Hill Hospital.
Men’s health
We are there for you through your life’s journey, every step of the way, to offer advice and a continuum of care for all your health issues. At NEST we recognise men and women are different both physically and mentally. Men are likely to seek out a primary care doctor when a health concern or symptoms first arise. At NEST we believe every male over forty years should have an annual health check. We believe no one should hold off seeing a doctor and all our GPs have experience in men’s health & welcome all men to make an appointment.
Women’s health
We understand that sometimes it can be challenging to find a GP who can assist with issues relevant to women. At NEST we recognise that there are many conditions and diseases that specifically affect women and vary throughout a woman’s life. We understand that what works for men does not always work for women. Our General Practitioners offer professional and knowledgeable advice about women’s health and have vast experience with family planning, menstrual disturbance, menopause, osteoporosis and more. All our female doctors are highly skilled at performing pap smears and breast checks.
Mental health
Our GPs understand mental health can change and effect everyone differently. It can affect the way someone thinks, relates, or behaves. Our GPs recogonise everyone has good days and bad days and strongly believe sharing this with someone can really help. Our GPs have the privilege to work alongside many well-respected mental health clinicians who can provide support and therapy as well.
Adolescent health
Young people often find it difficult to discuss their health concerns with a medical professional. Providing care to adolescents, particularly younger adolescents takes someone who is gentle and understanding. All our GPs at NEST provide confidential and professional care to adolescents and young people, with an understanding of the evolving and unique needs of young people. We want all young people to feel comfortable and confident to seek medical assistance whenever they need.
Sexual health
About 16% of Australians report having a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in their lifetime. Depending on your age, sexual orientation and lifestyle choices you may have a higher risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection. Some STIs cause disease without producing symptoms, therefore it is recommended that all sexually active people aged 15-29 years have an annual testing for chlamydia infection regardless of relationship status. The GPs at NEST can talk to you about your risks and prevention strategies in a safe and trusted environment.
Contraception including implanon & IUD insertion
There are many different types of contraception available and it is important to chat with a health professional about the best option for you. At NEST, our GPs have extensive experience and training to discuss your contraception options.
Many of our GPs are trained to insert intrauterine devices (IUD) and contraceptive implants (Implanon). An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small contraceptive device that is put into the uterus to prevent pregnancy and can stay in place for 5 years. A contraceptive implant is a soft plastic stick about 4 cm long that is inserted into your arm. The implant slowly releases a hormone, progestogen, into your body. Both these forms of contraception require a discussion with your doctor prior to booking.
Iron infusion
(currently not available at NEST)
While oral iron remains the cornerstone of iron deficiency anaemia, in special circumstances some patients require intravenous iron therapy. Intravenous iron therapy is available at NEST for patients who have had a consultation with a GP at NEST and have discussed the need for an infusion. Iron infusions take approximately one hour and are performed by our practice nurse. The nurse will insert a small needle into a vein and deliver the iron while monitoring you throughout. Not all patients are eligible for iron infusions and will only be prescribed at the doctor’s discretion.
Skin checks
We can assess the condition of your skin and recommend treatments for conditions ranging from sensitive skin through to skin cancer. Skin cancer is one of the leading health issues and causes of death for Australians. It is important to have your skin checked regularly so that any skin cancers can be identified and treated as soon as possible.
Pregnancy
How you feel about pregnancy will depend on many different circumstances such as age, whether you are prepared or how you feel about parenting. Our GPs can discuss all your questions and worries to help facilitate your ongoing treatment and options. Our GPs can also discuss birthing options such as private vs public and all have extensive experience in caring for women who are pregnant. It is not always possible to make an appointment with your obstetrician or hospital and as such, our GPs are happy to consult with pregnant women about health concerns at any time of pregnancy.
Family planning
In order to give your baby the very best start in life it is recommended that you see your GP for a full check-up before you become pregnant. Existing medical conditions may affect conceiving or cause concerns throughout pregnancy. It is important to have pre-pregnancy blood tests to ensure you are immune to vaccine preventable diseases and other important levels are adequate. Prior to pregnancy it is important to ensure your CST and breast check is up to date. All NEST GPs are trained to perform pre-pregnancy counselling.
Paediatrics
A healthy childhood is vital for a chance for a long healthy life. At NEST we understand children are unique and their needs change with age. We are passionate about caring for children and ensuring the best outcome for the littlest members of your family. Our GPs come with a wealth of knowledge and experience caring for children. NEST strongly believes in providing a team approach while caring for children and work closely with their families and other medical professionals to provide comprehensive and holistic care. Our GPs believe in providing children and their families with tools to embrace and inspire all children’s health.
Preventative health & chronic disease management
Prevention is a large part of our health objectives and detecting any health problem at an early stage is beneficial to your long-term health. Many chronic diseases can be prevented with a healthy lifestyle and regular checkup with your GP. At NEST our GPs are passionate about preventive medicine and believe prevention is better than cure. We understand primary health care plays a pivotal role in chronic disease management and strive to ensure all our patients are provided with the utmost best care to reduce the risk of chronic disease. We also know that well managed chronic diseases reduce or eliminate the need for hospital admissions or lifetime complications.
Minor procedures
At NEST our GPs can perform minor procedures such as ear syringing, liquid nitrogen and adhesive glue for minor lacerations. Please speak with reception to book these appointments.
