Inclusive Healthcare
Everyone is welcome here. Inclusivity and respect for all patients are crucial components of quality healthcare. Every patient deserves to feel heard, valued and understood, regardless of their background or identity. By acknowledging and accommodating differences in culture, language, gender, sexuality, age and ability, we create a welcoming, safe environment that promotes better health outcomes and patient satisfaction.
Our staff and doctors may ask if you identify with any cultural, ethnic, religious or identity groups—this helps us tailor your care and provide the most appropriate treatment. Your social and emotional well-being is closely tied to your health outcomes, so please share what matters to you.
This practice participates in ‘Close the Gap’ initiatives. If you identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, let our team know. We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Gold Coast and surrounding areas.
Please inform your GP of any beliefs—religious, cultural or otherwise—so we can provide appropriate treatment. Ethnicity isn’t just where you were born; it’s your heritage and how that can impact your health. LGBTQIA+ health is also important to us, and patients are invited to share their identities with their care team to help address any health disparities.
Keeping Everyone Safe
The priority during waves of community illness is to reduce the risks of infection for patients and staff. Viruses such as Influenza and Covid-19 can be dangerous for some people. Hope Island Medical Centre aims to keep everyone as safe as possible so that patients may continue to access appropriate care and so the doctors and staff can continue to provide services. To do this you will be asked screening questions about any symptoms that may indicate viral infection and whether you have had Covid-19 in the last 14 days. This will determine how your care is managed. It will often start with a telephone consultation and face-to-face appointments are arranged by your treating GP.
Masks
You may be asked at times to please wear a mask while in the medical centre.
Covid Positive Patients
Covid positive patients can be looked after by their regular GP or GP practice via telehealth. It is important that all positive patients have regular contact with their GP via telehealth so they can be monitored and antiviral medicines prescribed if appropriate. If there is a need for review because the patient is deteriorating, the doctor will direct how this will occur. Where there is another pressing medical need that cannot wait for the end of the isolation period, the doctor may arrange face-to-face care at their individual discretion and direction.