Patient information
Fact sheets
Reading you can trust between appointments, from Australian health services rather than whatever a search turns up first.
General information, not advice for you
These pages explain conditions and treatments in general terms. They cannot take account of your history, your medicines or your circumstances, so bring anything that worries you to an appointment. If you are unwell now, call us on (02) 9633 4033. In an emergency, call 000.
General health
Plain-language information on symptoms, conditions and treatments.
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healthdirect
Government-funded health advice, a symptom checker, and a 24-hour nurse line on 1800 022 222.
healthdirect Australia
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Better Health Channel
Several thousand reviewed articles on conditions, treatments and healthy living.
Victorian Department of Health
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Pregnancy, Birth and Baby
Support through pregnancy and the first five years, with a helpline on 1800 882 436.
healthdirect Australia
Immunisation and travel
What is due, when it is due, and what to arrange before you fly.
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National Immunisation Program schedule
The vaccines funded for children, adults and people at higher risk, and when each is due.
Australian Department of Health
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Smartraveller
Country-by-country health and safety advice. Read it before your travel vaccination appointment.
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Long-term conditions
Living well with a condition you will manage over years rather than days.
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Diabetes Australia
Managing type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and the National Diabetes Services Scheme.
Diabetes Australia
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Heart Foundation
Heart health checks, blood pressure, cholesterol and recovery after a cardiac event.
National Heart Foundation of Australia
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Lung Foundation Australia
Asthma, COPD and other long-term lung conditions.
Lung Foundation Australia
Skin and cancer screening
What to look for between appointments, and how to lower your risk.
Mental health
Support you can reach today, alongside a longer conversation with your GP.
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Beyond Blue
Anxiety, depression and suicide prevention, with a 24-hour line on 1300 22 4636.
Beyond Blue
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Lifeline
Crisis support and suicide prevention, 24 hours a day, on 13 11 14.
Lifeline Australia
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Head to Health
A guide to free and low-cost mental health services, and which one fits your situation.
Australian Department of Health
Quitting smoking
Practical help, and treatments your GP can prescribe.
Something here worrying you?
Book an appointment and bring it up. It is easier to talk through in the room than to work out on your own.