Geelong residents seeking quality medical care have a compelling new option with the Belmont Family Medical and Bulkbilling Clinic (BFMC) expanding its team of healthcare professionals. Under the leadership of principal general practitioner Dr. Mathew Hargreaves, the clinic is welcoming four new doctors to its ranks, enhancing its capacity to serve the community.
Dr. Hargreaves, along with existing team members Tristan Crowe, Loke Ho, Gaya Ekanayake, Mun Yoong, and Lew Morris, is excited to introduce permanent part-time doctors Tim Blake and Caroline Taylor-Walker, as well as temporary doctors Vijay Ng and Monique Couch. This expansion is timely, following recent changes in bulk billing that allow BFMC to offer a fully bulk-billed service to Geelong and surrounding areas.
Enhanced Services and Accessibility
The clinic’s commitment to providing accessible healthcare is underscored by its policy that patients with eligible Medicare care cards will not incur any out-of-pocket expenses. This is complemented by the convenience of a neighboring pharmacy, pathology, and imaging services, making BFMC a comprehensive one-stop solution for medical needs.
BFMC offers a wide array of medical services, ranging from preventive health management and childhood vaccinations to prescription management. The clinic is equipped to handle emergencies, injuries, minor surgical procedures, and more. Specialized services include skin checks, suturing, vaccines, pap smears, flu vaccines, ECG, plasters, and ear lavage.
Patient-Centric Approach
In line with its patient-first philosophy, BFMC operates as a strictly walk-in clinic, eschewing appointments to ensure immediate attention to those who need it. Patients are triaged upon arrival and added to a queue, with the increased number of doctors expected to reduce wait times significantly.
To further enhance patient experience, BFMC offers a convenient text message service that alerts patients when their turn is approaching, allowing them to leave the clinic and return just in time for their consultation. This innovative approach has been well-received by patients.
Commitment to Community Health
Open every day except Christmas Day and Easter Sunday, BFMC maintains long operating hours from 7 am to 6 pm on weekdays and 7:30 am to 1:30 pm on weekends and public holidays. This ensures that patients have ample opportunity to access medical care at their convenience.
Located at 141 High Street, Belmont, the clinic also offers free onsite parking, making it an accessible choice for new and returning patients alike. BFMC’s expansion and comprehensive service offerings reinforce its position as a leading healthcare provider in Geelong.
Looking Ahead
The expansion of BFMC comes at a critical time as healthcare demands continue to rise. By increasing its capacity and maintaining a focus on patient-centered care, BFMC is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of the Geelong community. As healthcare systems worldwide grapple with challenges such as increased patient loads and resource constraints, BFMC’s model of comprehensive, accessible care may serve as a valuable blueprint for other clinics.
New patients are encouraged to experience the excellent service and care at BFMC, which stands ready to support the health and well-being of Geelong’s families.
