Give your gut the healthiest start this summer...

With the winter months now behind us, porridge makes way for a typically lighter breakfast

Out gastroenterologists are delighted to share with you the ultimate ‘gut health’ breakfast for Gippslanders and indeed, all Australians, which is low in FODMAP, high in fibre and the best source we know of food-based gut regulation. This is useful for nearly all those suffering with IBS, constipation and bowel irregularity and we feel, might just get you back on track!

All of these ingredients are widely available in supermarkets, online and at health food retailers.

Enjoy and tell us what you think!

To discuss your gut health with your expert local gastroenterologist please see your GP for a referral and then contact the GSG rooms on (03) 5630 8800.

Local, for life!

Method for our ultimate gut health chia pudding recipe:

01 : add 2 tablespoons of chia seeds to 1/2 cup of lactose-free milk into a jar

02: add 2 teaspoons of natural maple syrup

03 : put the lid on the jar and shake for a few seconds

04 : place in the fridge overnight

05 : prior to serving add 1 kiwi fruit (with the skin if you can!), 1 teaspoon of psyllium husk and 1 teaspoon of linseed (flaxseed) meal

06 : top with your favourite summer berries (blackberries or raspberries pack the greatest punch)

Free As A Bird!

Gippsland Specialist Group sponsors Free as a Bird sculpture acquisition.

In February 2024, Gippsland Specialist Group proudly sponsored the "Free as a Bird" Sculpture Exhibition in our local community of Neerim South. Gippsland Specialist Group strive to promote community spirit and recognise the importance and beauty of art.

We congratulate the Neerim District Progress Association and the very talented artists in bringing this event to our town.

Highlights of the event can be viewed here:

https://youtu.be/C3KDfxBUBhM

Local, for life!

Welcome Dr Muhammed Al-Dulaimy

Gippsland Specialist Group welcomes
Dr Muhammed Al-Dulaimy

We are delighted that Dr Al-Dulaimy has joined us in our practice, having recently outstandingly achieved Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP).

Originally hailing from Iraq, Muhammed graduated from Baghdad University-College of Medicine in 2005. He was awarded a prestigious Scholarship to study at Macquarie University in Sydney from 2014 and completed a Doctorate of Advanced Medicine with specialization in gastroenterology in 2018 with academic excellence.

Muhammed has a particular interest in treating complex medical patients with a special focus on gastroenterology and hepatology.

He will be expertly supported by practice principal A/Prof Chris Mills, particularly with respect to endoscopy and complex interventional cases.

To make an appointment please see your GP for a referral, and then contact the GSG rooms on (03) 5630 8800.

 Local, for life!

Muhammed has a special interest in:

01 : complex gastroenterology and general medical problems, where a multi-organ focus is required

02: general gastroenterology

03 : hepatology

04 : inflammatory bowel disease

05 : functional gastrointestinal disorders

Thankyou For Your Well Wishes!

National Doctors Day 2023

Thankyou to all of our friends and community for your well wishes on National Doctors Day (March 30) 2023.

The first National Doctors Day observance was held on March 30, 1933, by the Barrow County Alliance, in Winder, Georgia. The idea of setting aside a day to honour doctors was conceived by Eudora Brown Almond, wife of Dr Charles Almond, and the recognition occurred on the anniversary of the first administration of anaesthesia by Dr Crawford Long in the United States in 1842.

A/Prof Chris Mills and Dr Chere McCamley are world-class medical specialists who are always looking for ways to be more supportive of Gippslanders.

To make an appointment please see your GP for a referral, and then contact the GSG rooms on (03) 5630 8800.

 Local, for life!

On this special day we would like to recognise, acknowledge and thank:

01 : our amazing staff who facilitate our profession and the health of our community

02: our medical colleagues

03 : all health care practitioners, particularly those working in regional and rural communities

04 : the traditional owners of the land on which we live, work, eat and drink

05 : our community for their acceptance and their support

So - Do I Really Need A Referral To See A Specialist?

What is this ‘referral’ thing all about?

A referral letter is a letter that is usually provided from your GP (general practitioner) to a specialist doctor. Specialists can also write referral letters to other specialists.

Do I really need a referral to see a specialist?

Contrary to what you are often told, in Australia the answer is NO you don’t.

The problem with not having a referral is that it means none of the care that you receive will be covered by Medicare and you will be unable to claim a rebate. The other issue comes with potentially not having a complete medical history, lists of medications and allergies for example, which are all details that are usually provided on your referral letter.

The other issue is that without a referral from another medical doctor, it can be very difficult for us to ascertain how urgent your appointment is likely to be. Many specialists (and certainly all of the specialists at GSG) prioritise patients and appointments in a system called ‘triage’. The alternative to this (the much lazier way!) is that patients simply receive an appointment when the doctor is next available, with no regard as to how urgent the problem is. Without a referral – it can be really difficult for out specialists to know how to triage your problem, potentially delaying your care.

This is why – all else being equal, we at GSG certainly prefer that you have a referral – it helps us work out what the problem is, work out how urgent it is, allows you to claim the Medicare rebate and above all, allows us to work with your GP to develop a solution that is right for you.

Having said all of that – we understand that GP appointments are becoming increasingly difficult to obtain, particularly in our region as our GP colleagues become ever busier. We never want to see people go without appropriate care and that is why we will see you at GSG without a referral if needed – please let us know that you wish to be seen in this fashion and we will help you as best we can!

A/Prof Chris Mills and Dr Chere McCamley are world-class medical specialists who are always looking for ways to be more supportive of Gippslanders.

To make an appointment please see your GP for a referral, and then contact the GSG rooms on (03) 5630 8800.

 Local, for life!

The benefits of a referral:

01 : enables you to have a consultation subsidised by Medicare

02 : gives us a complete medical history to help with your care

03 : allows us to work out how urgent your care needs are

04 : helps us work with your GP to work out the pathway that would suit you best

World Pulses Day: The Importance of Pulses for Gut Health

Pulses are an essential part of the human diet and have been a staple food for thousands of years. World Pulses Day is celebrated today and increases awareness about the benefits of pulses and their role in feeding the world.

Pulses are the edible seeds of leguminous plants including beans, lentils, peas and chickpeas. These tiny powerhouses of nutrition are packed with fibre, protein, vitamins, and minerals. They are low in fat and are a rich source of carbohydrates, making them a great food for sustained energy.

The benefits of pulses for gut health include:

1.    High in Fibre: Pulses are an excellent source of dietary fibre, which is essential for maintaining a healthy gut. Fibre helps regulate bowel movements, prevent constipation, and maintain a healthy gut microbiome.

2.    Prebiotic Properties: Pulses contain prebiotic compounds that nourish the friendly bacteria in the gut. This helps maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria.

3.    Low Glycemic Index: Pulses have a low glycemic index, meaning they are slowly absorbed into the bloodstream. This helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of developing conditions such as type 2 diabetes.

4.    Gluten-Free: For those with coeliac disease, pulses are a great alternative to grains such as wheat, barley, and rye as carbohydrate substitutes.

World Pulses Day is a great opportunity to celebrate the health benefits of pulses and how they can improve gut health.

A/Prof Chris Mills is a world-class interventional and advanced endoscopist and gastroenterologist, who is always looking for ‘food therapy’ and natural healthy ways as adjuncts to traditional medicine where the evidence is supportive.

To make an appointment please see your GP for a referral, and then contact the GSG rooms on (03) 5630 8800.

 Local, for life!

The benefits of pulses:

01 : high in fibre

02 : natural prebiotics

03 : low GI

04 : gluten free

Lemons 4 Your Gut Health!

We have an amazing lemon tree on the site of our rooms at 3 Princes Way, which serves as a fantastic opportunity to explore the benefits of lemons for your gut health.

Lemons are rice in vitamin C which is a potent antioxidant, protecting cells against free radicals, reducing gut inflammation and boosting the GI immune system as well as being a natural antimicrobial which assists in balancing the gut microbiome.

Lemons are rich in a fibre called pectin, which is a naturally occurring prebiotic which helps to feed your good gut bugs, promoting healthy gut microbiome growth.

Many studies have shown that lemons promote weight loss, probably through a combination of the pectin, which is a soluble fibre which helps you feel full for longer and lemon polyphenols, which assist in reducing weight gain and body fat.

Finally, citric acid assists in the absorption of iron along with vitamin C, assisting in the prevention of iron deficiency and anaemia

A/Prof Chris Mills is a world-class interventional and advanced endoscopist and gastroenterologist, who is always looking for natural therapies as adjuncts to traditional medicine where the evidence is supportive and who apparently has some panache for growing lemons!

To make an appointment please see your GP for a referral, and then contact the GSG rooms on (03) 5630 8800.

 Local, for life!

The virtues of lemons:

01 : protect against inflammation

02 : promote a healthy microbiome

03 : promote weight loss

04 : assist in preventing iron deficiency and anaemia

The long wait for our new rooms is over!

We are delighted that our new rooms in Drouin are now open!

We are here to help.

Gippsland Specialist Group is the first group of specialist surgeons and interventional medical specialists in West Gippsland.

A/Prof Chris Mills is a world-class interventional and advanced endoscopist (a gastroenterologist with further specialist training in endoscopy) and is currently the only specialist in Gippsland with this level of training and skill.

Ms Chere McCamley is an Australian trained Surgeon who has a long-term commitment to providing specialist General and Breast Surgery services to regional Australians. Chere is the current Chair of the Gippsland Regional Integrated Cancer Service (GRICS) Breast Cancer Team and also works with BreastScreen Victoria.

To make an appointment please see your GP for a referral, and then contact the GSG rooms on (03) 5630 8800.

 Local, for life!

On this momentous occasion, we thought we would tell you a few facts about our new rooms:

01 : we are located at 3 Princes Way Drouin

02 : the rooms were officially opened on 13th August 2022

03 : the building as it stands was originally built probably in 1892

04 : the building was a doctor’s residence from 1895 until the early 1980’s

05 : the most notable resident was Dr Hamp, who many residents of the local area remember very fondly

A very well compiled short history of the building is available from the Drouin rooms - please drop by and pick one up at anytime!

Never Too Young: The USA Now Recommends Screening Colonoscopy from Age 45

We at Gippsland Specialist Group have told more than twenty young Australian’s this year under the age of 50 that ‘you have bowel cancer’. The tears well, and we often see the look of despair in their eyes.

It is a common thought that bowel cancer is a disease confined to the elderly, however in reality, more than 10% of bowel cancers in Australia are diagnosed in people under the age of 50.

Fortunately, when young people listen to their bodies, greater than 99% of bowel cancers are treatable with ‘curative surgery’, without the need for chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Increasingly, assessing your own individual bowel cancer risk in people under the age of 50 is essential for everyone. Unfortunately, the Australian National Bowel Cancer Screening Program doesn’t commence until the age of 50.

The USA have recently adjusted their guidelines, with a recommendation to now commence colonoscopy for screening at the age of 45, whether you have symptoms or not!

We at Gippsland Specialist Group see no specific reason why this recommendation should not also apply to many Australians, as the demographic is not particularly dissimilar. This is particularly true of Gippslanders, who have a higher than national average incidence of bowel cancer.

We are here to help.

A/Prof Chris Mills is a world-class interventional and advanced endoscopist (a gastroenterologist with further specialist training in endoscopy) and is currently the only specialist in Gippsland with this level of training and skill. He does not offer ‘direct access’ endoscopy, preferring instead to listen to the needs of his patients and personalize their treatment plan, including their need for a colonoscopy.

To make an appointment please see your GP for a referral, and then contact the GSG rooms on (03) 5630 8800. We are here to help.

Finding colon cancer early provides the best chance of surviving the disease.

Things you MUST do:

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01 : don’t think your too young!

02 : don’t ignore abdominal pain

03 : tell your GP if you have rectal bleeding

04 : take note if you have new constipation or diarrhoea

05 : weigh yourself and talk to your GP if you have lost a lot of weight

06 : have a blood test to measure your red blood cells and iron regularly (talk tp your GP if needed)

07 : discuss a colonoscopy with your GP or with us, particularly if you are over the age of 45

08 : call our friendly admin team if you have symptoms and aren’t sure what to do - or talk to your GP!

Red Apple Day

June 15th is Red Apple Day!

June itself is Bowel Cancer (also called Colon Cancer) Awareness Month - Bowel Cancer Australia's signature event to raise awareness of Australia's second deadliest cancer.

Unfortunately, Gippslanders have a higher rate of mortality from bowel cancer than their Victorian counterparts, at 23 cases per 10 000 people.

Red Apple Day was envisaged to raise funds for the prevention, early diagnosis, research, quality treatment and the best care for everyone affected by bowel cancer.

You can support this amazing charity (as we do here at Gippsland Specialist Group) through the purchase of an apple ribbon, or by holding an apple themed fundraiser!

Bowel cancer claims the lives of 101 Australians every week (5,255 people a year) - but it's one of the most treatable types of cancer if found early.

While the risk of bowel cancer increases significantly with age, the disease doesn't discriminate, affecting men and women, young and old, including people in their 20’s (read the story of fellow Gippslander Mallory Krusic here - who was diagnosed at only 29 years old).

We are here to help.

A/Prof Chris Mills is a world-class interventional and advanced endoscopist (a gastroenterologist with further specialist training in endoscopy) and is currently the only specialist in Gippsland with this level of training and skill.

To make an appointment please see your GP for a referral, and then contact the GSG rooms on (03) 5630 8800. We are here to help.

Finding colon cancer early provides the best chance of surviving the disease.

Things you MUST do:

---

01 : have a 2 yearly FOBT test after age 50

02 : don’t ignore abdominal pain

03 : tell your GP if you have rectal bleeding

04 : take note if you have new constipation or diarrhoea

05 : weigh yourself and talk to your GP if you have lost a lot of weight

06 : have a blood test to measure your red blood cells and iron regularly (talk tp your GP if needed)

07 : don’t delay a colonoscopy if it has been recommended

08 : call our friendly admin team if you have symptoms and aren’t sure what to do - or talk to your GP!

International Tea Day

May 21 is International Tea Day!

After water, tea is the most consumed drink on earth! International Tea Day raises the awareness of the importance of tea in fighting hunger and poverty, and promotes the sustainable production and consumption of tea.

Tea consumption can benefit health and wellness due to anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and weight loss effects.

Here at GSG, we like to provide treatments that are evidence-based, however we also recognise that there is often great utility in treatments that have a very minimal risk of harm, even if the evidence is a little lacking.

Whilst most teas fall into this category, green tea has been shown to lower blood pressure, cholesterol, aid in weight loss and improve blood glucose levels in people with diabetes. These are particularly important factors in patients with fatty liver disease which is becoming an increasing problem in Australia. Although the evidence is not as robust, Rooibos tea has emerging evidence that the health benefits are similar to that of green tea - it might be worth giving it a try!

Peppermint tea has also been long used as a remedy for irritable bowel syndrome. Whilst this treatment is of little harm, we usually find that people have a far better response to peppermint oil, and there is certainly better evidence behind the use of oil for irritable bowel syndrome.

Chamomile tea has been used for millenia to reduce stress, anxiety and mental health related gastrointestinal disorders. There is promising evidence for the use of chamomile tea in anxiety disorders and who couldn’t use a safe, well tolerated cup of soothing chamomile in the post - COVID era.

You can support people with gastrointestinal conditions through encouraging them to discuss their symptoms with their doctor.

We are also here to help.

A/Prof Chris Mills is a world-class interventional and advanced endoscopist (a gastroenterologist with further specialist training in endoscopy) and is currently the only specialist in Gippsland with this level of training and skill. He is particularly adept at caring for patients with all type of gastrointestinal conditions, and believes that patients should be offered a full gamut of treatments including herbal, complementary and traditional therapies.

To make an appointment please see your GP for a referral, and then contact the GSG rooms on (03) 5630 8800. We are here to help.

Tea’s that may be of benefit in gastrointestinal health that we encourage you to discuss with us at GSG or reach out to your GP:

---

01 : Green Tea

02 : Rooibos Tea

03 : Peppermint Tea

04 : Chamomile Tea

05 : White Tea

06 : Ginger Tea

07 : Hibiscus Tea

Call our friendly admin team or drop us a line here if you have symptoms and aren’t sure what to do - or talk to your GP!

April is IBS Awareness Month

April is IBS awareness month!

One in five Australian’s will suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) at some time in their life.

Across the Pacific, our American colleagues have recently released their updated guidelines on the role of diet in IBS.

Essentially, the Low FODMAP diet (developed in Melbourne, Australia) is the best initial intervention for the treatment of most types of IBS.

IBS awareness month was envisaged to raise awareness for IBS, and to inspire patients to book an appointment to discuss their symptoms, as research and treatments are forever evolving.

You can support someone with IBS (as we do here at Gippsland Specialist Group) through encouraging them to discuss their symptoms with their doctor.

We are also here to help.

A/Prof Chris Mills is a world-class interventional and advanced endoscopist (a gastroenterologist with further specialist training in endoscopy) and is currently the only specialist in Gippsland with this level of training and skill. He is particularly adept at caring for patients with IBS and believes that patients should be offered a full gamut of treatments for IBS, including importing medicines not usually available in Australia, medicinal cannabis and faecal transplantation.

To make an appointment please see your GP for a referral, and then contact the GSG rooms on (03) 5630 8800. We are here to help.

Treatments for IBS are extensive, and are often beyond the scope of what ‘traditional’ medicine and gastroenterology is prepared to offer.

Treatments discussed with IBS patients at GSG can include:

---

01 : diets (including the Low FODMAP diet)

02 : herbal and natural remedies

03 : cognitive behavioural therapy

04 : hypnotherapy

05 : medication (including those not available in Australia)

06 : medicinal cannabis (CBD oil)

07 : faecal transplantation

Call our friendly admin team or drop us a line here if you have symptoms and aren’t sure what to do - or talk to your GP!

Forevermore Foundation - Cherished Memories

Gippsland Specialist Group is proud to support the work of Forevermore Foundation and have launched a collaboration with Forevermore Foundation and founder Belle Chapman.

Recently, Chere and Chris met Belle as a photographer on their Gippsland Farm. During the afternoon, we discussed the importance of family, friends and how precious time with our loved ones truly is. Belle spoke of her passion for capturing the special bond of families through photography and her personal journey with creating the foundation.

The Forevermore Foundation provides families who are facing a cancer diagnosis free photography sessions to capture precious memories together.

Gippsland Specialist Group is dedicated to the care of our patients throughout their health journey. Please talk to us about the Forevermore Foundation during your consultation, ask us about the forevermore foundation on (03) 5630 8800 or contact Belle on 0412 682 021 or at www.forevermorefoundation.com.au/apply.

We don’t want any kids, parents or partners to question the love their unwell family member has for them.

Belle Chapman - Forevermore Foundation

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Another First for GSG - The Archimedes Stent

BREAKING NEWS!

In November last year, Gippsland Specialist Group was involved with Endotherapeutics in the first endoscopic Archimedes case performed in Victoria. The case was performed by A/Prof Chris Mills - Interventional Endoscopist and Gastroenterologist at Latrobe Regional Hospital.

During the procedure in November, A/Prof Mills removed the conventional biliary stent placed a 0.035’ guide wire and then used a balloon to sweep some of the stones out of the common bile duct (CBD). He then used a 10 Fr, 60 mm slow degradation Archimedes Stent to place inside the CBD.
 There were no issues placing the stent and the procedure was easily visualised under fluoroscopy. Further information is available in the February Edition of GI Inside Out.

A/Prof Mills, the patient and her family were delighted with the outcome, which is life-prolonging and likely to avoid the need for future surgery.

We are here to help you, in the same way that we helped this patient.

A/Prof Chris Mills is a world-class interventional and advanced endoscopist (a gastroenterologist with further specialist training in endoscopy) and is currently the only specialist in Gippsland with this level of training and skill performing this highly specialised procedure called ERCP.

To make an appointment with A/Prof Mills or any of our specialists, please contact the GSG rooms on (03) 5630 8800 or reach out to us via our contact form.

First endoscopic Archimedes case performed in VICTORIA

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Red Apple Day

June 16th is Red Apple Day!

June itself is Bowel Cancer (also called Colon Cancer) Awareness Month - Bowel Cancer Australia's signature event to raise awareness of Australia's second deadliest cancer.

Unfortunately, Gippslanders have a higher rate of mortality from bowel cancer than their Victorian counterparts, at 23 cases per 10 000 people.

Red Apple Day was envisaged to raise funds for the prevention, early diagnosis, research, quality treatment and the best care for everyone affected by bowel cancer.

You can support this amazing charity (as we do here at Gippsland Specialist Group) through the purchase of an apple ribbon, or by holding an apple themed fundraiser!

Bowel cancer claims the lives of 101 Australians every week (5,255 people a year) - but it's one of the most treatable types of cancer if found early.

While the risk of bowel cancer increases significantly with age, the disease doesn't discriminate, affecting men and women, young and old, including people in their 20’s (read the story of fellow Gippslander Mallory Krusic here - who was diagnosed at only 29 years old).

We are here to help.

A/Prof Chris Mills is a world-class interventional and advanced endoscopist (a gastroenterologist with further specialist training in endoscopy) and is currently the only specialist in Gippsland with this level of training and skill.

To make an appointment please see your GP for a referral, and then contact the GSG rooms on (03) 5630 8800. We are here to help.

Finding colon cancer early provides the best chance of surviving the disease.

Things you MUST do:

---

01 : have a 2 yearly FOBT test after age 50

02 : don’t ignore abdominal pain

03 : tell your GP if you have rectal bleeding

04 : take note if you have new constipation or diarrhoea

05 : weigh yourself and talk to your GP if you have lost a lot of weight

06 : have a blood test to measure your red blood cells and iron regularly (talk tp your GP if needed)

07 : don’t delay a colonoscopy if it has been recommended

08 : call our friendly admin team if you have symptoms and aren’t sure what to do - or talk to your GP!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

More than ever, 2020 has reminded us that we are all in this together. Our choices and actions with respect to our health not only impact us, but those that we love, and our broader communities.

Breast Cancer incidence and mortality in Gippsland is significantly higher than the Victorian state average, with Baw Baw shire faring the worst.

All Gippslanders need to show every woman that her life is important, and every woman should be able to be loved and valued.

Breast cancer awareness month means encouraging all women to be aware of the services available to them, and aware of the impact that breast cancer can have.

All women over the age of 40 in Australia are eligible to receive free mammograms every 2 years - please ensure yours is up to date - and remind everyone around you too!

We are here to help. Ms Chere McCamley is a highly trained and skilled breast surgeon and the only female breast surgeon operating in Gippsland. As a local Baw Baw woman, she is committed to reducing the mortality from breast cancer across all of Gippsland.

To make an appointment please see your GP for a referral, and then contact the GSG rooms on (03) 5623 0868. We are here to help.

Finding breast cancer early provides the best chance of surviving the disease.

Changes to look for:

---

01 : a new lump or lumpiness in the breast

02 : a change in the size or shape of your breast

03 : a change to the nipple, such as crusting, ulcer, redness or inversion

04 : a nipple discharge

05 : a change in the skin of your breast such as redness or dimpling

06 : unusual pain that doesn't go away.

Dr What? Dr Where? - Dr Mills in Gippsland on Air!

A new podcast released this week aims to ensure that rural and regional Victorians have more local access to medical professionals, including specialists.

In Doctor What? Doctor Where? - Stories of Rural Medicine in Victoria, GSGs very own Dr Chris Mills explains the extraordinary benefits of being a regional and rural specialist. Expertly interviewed by master storyteller Patrick Laverick (The Digital Ninja), Chris discusses his motivation for moving rurally, and what benefits can help in attracting more specialists to live and work rurally. Chris strongly believes in the benefits of specialists not simply visiting, but actually living in the community they serve, which allows for a much greater understanding of the health challenges faced by the community.

Listen in to this deeply engaging interview, to understand your local gastroenterologist and physician on a different level.

To make an appointment with Chris (or even just to have a chat about the interview!) please contact the GSG rooms on (03) 5623 0868.

Listen to the reasons in this podcast that motivate our specialists to live, work and cherish Gippsland!

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World Hepatitis Day - Go Gippsland!

Tuesday the 28th of July is World Hepatitis Day!

More than 70,000 people currently live in Victoria with Hepatitis C which, untreated can lead to chronic liver disease, liver cancer, and a significantly shorter life.

Gippslanders have a significantly higher incidence of Hepatitis C than the Victorian average, with an increased incidence of up to 50%.

In the past, particularly with Hepatitis C, there was significant stigma attached to diagnosis, as the risk for contracting the virus is higher amongst recreational drug use and LGBTQI individuals. However, many Hepatitis C infections come from other sources - including blood transfusions in the 1980’s, needlestick injuries or even tattoo’s, particularly those done overseas. Fellow Warragul and Gippsland local Neil Boal shared his story of contracting Hepatitis C from a blood transfusion here.

New treatments mean that anyone still living with Hepatitis (and particularly Hepatitis C) should discuss their options with a specialist again if they haven’t done so in the last year.

There is a wealth of information this World Hepatitis Day at #letstalkhep.

We are here to help. Our hepatologists (liver specialists) are highly trained and skilled in the management of Hepatitis, whether that be A, B or C (or for that matter - D or E). Help us get hepatitis in Gippsland back on track!

To make an appointment in a non-judgmental and unhurried environment, please contact the GSG rooms on (03) 5623 0868 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Our three messages at GSG for World Hepatitis Day 2020 are simple:

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01 : Talk

Talk to your family and friends about getting tested - you may just save the life of a loved one

02 : Test

If you think you may be at risk - please talk to your GP about getting tested

03 : Think

Think about the consequences of not being tested - transmission to people you care about may put them at risk

Ms McCamley in The Warragul and Drouin Gazette

GSG was very proud to see one of our own, Ms Chere McCamley featured by our friends at The Warragul and Drouin Gazette today.

Ms McCamley brings a wealth of surgical experience and expertise to Gippslanders, particularly in the field of breast surgery.

As many in West Gippsland are no doubt already aware, Ms McCamley has joined the surgical team at West Gippsland Hospital, as currently the only female surgeon and the only Gippsland local resident on the team.

To make an appointment, please contact the GSG rooms on (03) 5623 0868 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Ms Chere McCamley offers surgical services at GSG including:

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01 : Breast Surgery

02 : Skin Surgery

03 : Gallbladder and Hernia Surgery

04 : General and Emergency Surgery

Connecting the dots...

Here at GSG, we are all about supporting people we care about.

We wanted to take the chance to make a HUGE SHOUT OUT to Nick and the team at The Dot Collective.

Having worked with huge brands including the likes of Looney Tunes, Cotton On, Florence Broadhurst and the NBL, we feel honoured that they were able to take time out to help us - and to help Gippslanders in their effort to be healthier.

Nick and the team have worked tirelessly developing our amazing website and branding at GSG, and whilst they aren’t local to Gippsland, they are a bunch of locals in Geelong, with the same caring attitude we have here.