Grove Medical Cockburn

💊 World Pharmacists Day | 25 September

Today we’re showing our appreciation for our wonderful non-dispensing pharmacists, Nick at Victoria Park and Bo at Cockburn. 💜

Working closely alongside our GPs, Nick and Bo provide an extra layer of expertise when it comes to medications. They can review prescriptions and medication histories, identify potential interactions or side effects, and work directly with your GP to make sure your medicines are safe, appropriate and working well for you.

Because they’re part of the Grove Medical team, our pharmacists and GPs can collaborate closely on your care - particularly when medications are complex, have recently changed or need a closer review.

A big thank you to Nick and Bo for the knowledge, support and care they bring to our patients and team.

💜 September is Dementia Awareness Month

Dementia is not a normal part of ageing. While we can all forget things from time to time, ongoing changes in memory, thinking or behaviour are worth talking about.

Some changes to look out for include:
• Increasing memory loss or confusion
• Difficulty completing familiar tasks
• Changes in language or communication
• Becoming lost or disoriented in familiar places
• Noticeable changes in mood, personality or behaviour

If you’ve noticed changes in yourself or someone close to you, your GP is a good place to start. There can be many reasons for changes in memory and thinking, and an assessment can help identify what may be happening and what support is available.

https://automedsystems.com.au/ams/clinics/9132/grove-medical-cockburn-cockburn-6164/doctors

🦴 The Bone Bus is coming to Grove Medical Cockburn on 12 and 13 October!

The mobile service offers bone density scans to help assess bone health and the risk of osteoporosis. Scans take around 10 minutes, are painless, and you can stay fully clothed.

Eligible patients from both our Cockburn and Victoria Park clinics are welcome. Speak with your GP first to check whether a scan is right for you and to get a referral. Your referral will include the details you need to book directly with the scanning provider.
https://automedsystems.com.au/ams/clinics/9132/grove-medical-cockburn-cockburn-6164/doctors

💜 Today we’re adding a little purple to Grove Medical for Purple Bra Day!

Purple Bra Day raises awareness and funds to support West Australians affected by breast cancer.

It’s a great reminder to be breast aware, know what’s normal for you, and speak with your GP if you notice any changes or have questions about breast screening.

A little purple for a very important cause. 💜

🧡 World Patient Safety Day | 17 September

Patient safety is at the heart of good healthcare.

At Grove Medical, safe care is about more than what happens during an appointment. It’s about listening carefully, communicating clearly, keeping accurate information, following up when needed and working together as a team.

Patients are an important part of that team too. We encourage you to ask questions, speak up if something doesn’t feel right and make sure you understand the next steps in your care.

Small actions and open conversations can make a big difference to safer healthcare. 🧡

💚Your periods may be changing during perimenopause, but that doesn’t necessarily mean contraception is no longer needed.

Ovulation can become less predictable, and pregnancy is still possible. It’s also important to remember that menopausal hormone therapy (MHT/HRT) is not contraception.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Your age, symptoms, cycle, medical history and personal preferences can all influence which contraceptive option is right for you – and some options may also help manage heavy or irregular bleeding.

🌿 This Women’s Health Week, it’s a good reminder to check in with your GP about your contraception, particularly if your periods or symptoms are changing.
https://automedsystems.com.au/ams/clinics/9132/grove-medical-cockburn-cockburn-6164/doctors

💛 R U OK? Day & World Su***de Prevention Day

Today our team took some time to come together over lunch and recognise R U OK? Day and World Su***de Prevention Day.

Both are important reminders that connection matters. Checking in with the people around us, making time to listen and continuing the conversation can make a meaningful difference.

You don’t need to have the perfect words. Sometimes a simple “Are you OK?” is a good place to start.

And if you’re the one finding things difficult, reaching out to someone you trust or speaking with your GP can be a good first step.

💛 Ask. Listen. Encourage action. Check in.

***dePreventionDay

This Women’s Health Week, we’re shining a light on cervical screening. 💜

If you’re aged 25–74 and have ever been sexually active, regular Cervical Screening Tests can help detect HPV before it causes changes to the cells of the cervix.

And cervical screening may be easier than you think. For most people who are eligible, you can choose between self-collection or having the sample collected by a GP or nurse – both options are equally accurate at detecting HPV.

Not sure if you’re due, or which option is right for you? Have a chat with your GP at your next appointment.
https://automedsystems.com.au/ams/clinics/9132/grove-medical-cockburn-cockburn-6164/doctors

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month💙

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian men, and around 1 in 5 men will be diagnosed during their lifetime.

The good news is that when prostate cancer is detected early, outcomes are often very good. That's why it's important to understand your risk and know when to have a conversation with your GP.

A PSA blood test may be appropriate for some men, particularly those aged 50–69 years, or earlier if you have a strong family history of prostate cancer. PSA testing isn't right for everyone, so it's important to discuss the potential benefits and limitations with your GP.

If you're due for a discussion about prostate cancer screening, or you're unsure about your risk, we're here to help.
https://automedsystems.com.au/ams/clinics/9132/grove-medical-cockburn-cockburn-6164/doctors

Our Grove Medical Cockburn team recently attended the GP Engage event hosted by Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospitals Group (FSFHG), South Metropolitan Health Services, and WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA) at Cockburn Integrated Health.

The evening focused on new and developing care pathways for vulnerable and complex patients, including older adult health services, the Care Finder Service and improved access to specialist support.

Attending events like this helps our team stay informed, build stronger connections with local hospital and community services, and better support our patients as they navigate the healthcare system.

Pictured from left: Dr Leila Heidarvand, Dr Charlotte Dempsey, Dr Mary Wyatt and Business Manager Shariel Ho.