Belmont Family Medical and Bulkbilling Clinic (BFMC) in Geelong has announced an expansion of its team, reinforcing its position as a leading choice for general practitioner care in the region. The clinic, known for its commitment to accessible healthcare, now welcomes four new doctors to its roster.
Principal general practitioner Dr. Mathew Hargreaves, along with existing team members Tristan Crowe, Loke Ho, Gaya Ekanayake, Mun Yoong, and Lew Morris, are eager to introduce permanent part-time doctors Tim Blake and Caroline Taylor-Walker, as well as temporary doctors Vijay Ng and Monique Couch. This expansion aims to enhance the clinic’s ability to provide comprehensive medical care to the Geelong community.
Enhanced Services with Bulk Billing
Following changes to bulk billing policies in November, BFMC is proud to offer a fully bulk billing service to families in Geelong and surrounding areas. Patients with eligible Medicare care cards can now access quality medical care without any out-of-pocket expenses. This move is part of the clinic’s ongoing commitment to making healthcare more accessible.
Located conveniently next to a pharmacy, pathology, and imaging services, BFMC serves as a one-stop destination for all medical needs. The clinic’s comprehensive range of services includes preventive health management, childhood vaccinations, prescription management, and more.
Comprehensive Medical Services
BFMC provides a wide array of medical services, catering to emergencies, injuries, minor surgical procedures, skin checks, suturing, vaccines, pap smears, flu vaccines, ECGs, plastering, and ear lavage. The clinic also addresses patient concerns related to family health, acute care, chronic disease, skin cancer, lacerations, and mental health.
As a strictly walk-in clinic, BFMC does not schedule appointments. Patients are triaged upon arrival and added to the queue. While wait times can be unpredictable, the increased number of doctors is expected to reduce waiting periods significantly. Furthermore, the clinic offers a convenient service where patients can leave the premises and receive a text message when it is nearly their turn to see a doctor, a feature that has been well-received by patients.
Operating Hours and Accessibility
BFMC operates every day except Christmas Day and Easter Sunday, with extended hours from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on weekends and public holidays. New patients are encouraged to visit the clinic at 141 High Street, Belmont, where they can also benefit from free onsite parking.
Community Impact and Future Prospects
The expansion of BFMC’s team and services represents a significant step in addressing the growing healthcare needs of the Geelong community. By offering a fully bulk billing option, the clinic not only alleviates financial burdens for patients but also sets a benchmark for accessible healthcare in the region.
According to Dr. Hargreaves, “Our goal is to provide high-quality medical care that is accessible to everyone in our community. With our expanded team, we are better equipped to meet the needs of our patients and reduce wait times, ensuring that everyone receives timely care.”
“Our goal is to provide high-quality medical care that is accessible to everyone in our community.” – Dr. Mathew Hargreaves
As healthcare demands continue to evolve, BFMC’s proactive approach in expanding its services and team underscores its dedication to patient care and community well-being. The clinic’s strategic location and comprehensive offerings make it a vital healthcare hub for Geelong and its surrounding areas.
Looking ahead, BFMC plans to continue enhancing its services and exploring new ways to improve patient experience and care delivery. As the clinic grows, it remains committed to its core mission of providing accessible, quality healthcare to all its patients.
