Thursday 12 September was R U OK? Day.

R U OK? is a national suicide prevention charity that empowers people to meaningfully connect and lend support to others. Checking in with friends, family and colleagues can have a profound impact on someone who might be struggling with life.

R U OK? contributes to suicide prevention efforts by encouraging people to invest more time in their personal relationships and by building the capacity of informal support networks – friends, family and colleagues – to be alert to those around them.

To learn more, visit ruok.org.au

How to start a conversation about mental health

R U OK? focuses on building the confidence and skills of the help-giver – the person who can have a meaningful conversation with someone who is struggling with life.

Before you can look out for others, you need to look out for yourself. If you’re not in the right headspace or you don’t think you’re the right person to have a conversation about mental health, try to think of someone else who might be able to offer their support.

If you are ready and prepared to have the conversation but are wondering where to start, follow the below guide.

Informational guide

R U OK? Day at Eastbound

Eastbound staff gathered on R U OK? Day for a snack and a chat – this was a great opportunity for us to check in with each other and lend support if needed.

We also made up some informational brochures, which are available at reception for patients to read.

Remember to check in with your family, friends and colleagues any day; our mental health is important every day, not just for one day.

If you’re looking for support, please speak to your GP about developing a mental health care plan.

For urgent support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

On March 23, 2024, Cancer Council encouraged Australians to host a Biggest Morning Tea to stand in solidarity with those impacted by cancer, and to raise money for vital cancer research. At Eastbound Medical Clinic, the staff and consulting GPs participated by hosting Eastbound’s annual bake-off bonanza.

Eastbound’s Bake-Off Stars

We had a simply TEA-riffic bake-off day. Putting the fun in fundraiser by baking up a storm this year were:

Table filled with different baked goods in front of a window with bunting

After a delicious afternoon of healthy competition and (not-so-healthy) nibbles, the coveted title of ‘Eastbound’s Best Baker’ went to Jels for her dreamy Plazma Cookie Slice. Although Bejoy’s chocolate spiders and Bianca’s keto bliss balls were close on her heels, Jels ultimately whisked away the competition with her perfectly balanced flavours. Congratulations on winning bragging rights for the year ahead and enjoy being Eastbound’s ‘go to’ person for baking queries big and small.

Plazma cookie slice with first place ribbonChoc spiders with second place ribbonKeto bliss balls with third place ribbon

Woman smiles at camera while holding a first place placard and a small gold trophy

The fun didn’t stop there, with Melanie’s eclairs and Ishara’s peanut butter bars taking out the people’s bake-off choice awards on social media.

Eclairs with people's choice ribbonPeanut butter bars with people's choice ribbon

Kicking a Goal for Team Research

We raised more than just cakes. Together, we fundraised $616 for Cancer Council, kicking our $300 goal. We also used social media to help raise awareness and encourage the community to host their own tea parties in support of Cancer Council.

Everyone is impacted by cancer. That’s why we’re thrilled to do a small bit for our community by raising both vital awareness and money to support future research. We’ll continue to champion research, testing, and screening, and will be back baking next year to show our ongoing commitment to supporting Cancer Council in its work towards a cancer free future.

Doctors smile at the camera in front of a table laden with baked goods

Sunday, 12 May, was International Nurses Day.

This year’s theme, ‘Our Nurses. Our Future. The economic power of care’, recognises the invaluable role that nurses play in supporting both patients and vital health initiatives worldwide, while reminding us of the ongoing need to actively invest in nursing in order to improve health outcomes.

This International Nurses Day, Eastbound Medical Clinic took a moment to honour our passionate and exceptionally talented nurses, acknowledging that their empathy, skills, and support form the cornerstone of effective patient care. Together, we handed out some bouquets and enjoyed a marble cheesecake with nurses Bisa, Melissa, and Isabel, pictured below.

We extend our warmest gratitude to all of our dedicated nurses. Thank you for all that you do. We couldn’t do it without you, and we’ll shout it from the rooftops.

Three female nurses wearing blue scrubs smile at the camera while holding large bouquets of multicoloured flowers. Birds-eye-view of a chocolate and vanilla marble cheesecake with the plaque: Happy International Nurses Day

Patient Feedback – You Asked, We Listened

We’re committed to constantly reviewing processes and patient feedback, with emphasis on adapting our services and operations to better cater to your needs. 

In our latest Practice Accreditation and Improvement Survey, you asked us to:

  • Expand access to after-hours appointments
  • Provide better access to the doctor of your choice
  • Improve, simplify, and diversify booking processes
  • Offer more telehealth appointments 

In line with this feedback, we’ve:

  • Added a fourth evening by extending Thursday consult hours to 8pm
  • Asked all doctors to work an evening shift and onboarded two new doctors to increase capacity
  • Added a booking ChatBot to our website and enlisted Jenny, our off-shore receptionist, to assist with phone bookings
  • Ensured that all GPs offer telehealth and video consults

Thank you to everyone who participated in the survey, helping us to prioritise community needs. 

Book an appointment here.

Welcome to Eastbound’s New, Cosy Kids’ Corner

Eastbound’s Christmas renovations have gifted us with a new, colourful, and cosy kids’ corner, enhancing waiting experiences for young families. 

Tucked into a private alcove of the waiting room and abundantly stocked with toys, books, and puzzles, the kids’ corner is the ideal place to rest, play, or explore before your appointment at Eastbound Medical Clinic.  

We think the room is looking pretty inviting, but it could always use a couple of extra smiling faces, so be sure to check it out and join in on the fun during your next visit! 

Book an appointment here.