By Samantha Freestone
Caring and family-focused general practice a boon for new locals.
Moving from one area to another is a huge life decision, having to re-organise so many things you take for granted, one major decision being what doctor you will employ.
When Rebecca moved to Hoppers Crossing from Elwood, she needed to choose a doctor for her growing family.
“I had had the same female GP for the 10 years whilst living in Elwood. She was fantastic. But to travel all that way to the doctors was just too much,” she says.
“I wanted to find a female GP – preferably bulk billed – that I could see for all my doctors’ appointments, someone who I would feel comfortable with in regards to talking about anything health-wise.
“Through my meetings with the reception and nursing staff at Hoppers Lane, they just love their GP clinic and workplace so much, I wanted to come and check it out and I’m glad I did.”
Hoppers Lane proudly employs 13 full-time GPs, with a good mix of male and female doctors.
Open six years now, the vision, from the very beginning, was to create a special practice that focused on the little things.
Practice Manager Laura Paton says it is this focus on looking after families, from grandparents through to their grandchildren that makes working for Hoppers Lane General Practice so rewarding.
“There is a focus on care, on community, and on family. It makes you want to come to work in the morning.
“Little extras such as looking after elderly patients (the practice holds morning teas regularly), sending cards to the families of newborns and even bereavement cards when a loved one passes. Follow up calls when things are tough. It is a genuine sentiment that people –including the staff—connect with.
“I am sure, for our patients, it makes them feel cared for and that is what it is all about. Palliative care is sometimes just as important as medical care.
Rebecca says she loves not only the location but the diversity (it’s next to the local Mercy Hospital) but the myriad of health services offered all under one roof.
“Knowing I can do blood tests, manage maternity care with scans at Hoppers Lane GP, get X-rays and prescriptions, it makes healthcare all that much easier.”
The clinic also has an online booking service to save time. Just log in and select your favourite GP and then select an available time. The online service has logged over 700 online bookings per
week since it was set up shortly after they first opened.
“When you arrive at the clinic, there is a computer that you can check-in on, confirm your appointment, then you just take a seat, knowing you’ll be seeing the doctor you want to see. At previous clinics, I’ve never had access to technology like that,” Rebecca says. “It is a comforting place to return to when you are unwell.”
Hoppers Lane General Practice Clinic, 242 Hoppers Lane, Werribee. Opens 8am-11pm Monday-Friday and 9am-5.30pm weekends and public holidays. Inquiries: 8731 6500 or visit hopperslanegp.com.au
