Health Services

Services available at our clinics include:

  • Annual 715 Health Checks for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
  • Chronic disease screening, management plans (GPCCMP) and ongoing care.
  • Care coordination for clients with complex health needs.
  • Mums and Boori services, including antenatal care, post-natal and family support.
  • Social and emotional wellbeing services, including counselling and psychology support.
  • Transport assistance to medical, dental and specialist appointments, subject to availability.

We also provide access to a range of visiting specialist and allied health services, including:

  • Optometry
  • Audiology
  • Paediatrics
  • Endocrinology
  • General Physician Services
  • Podiatry
  • Psychiatry
  • Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT)
  • Psychology
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Obstetrician

Visiting Allied health professionals

  • Optometrist
  • Psychologist
  • Social Worker
  • Australian Hearing and HAPPEE clinic
  • Podiatrist
  • Exercise Physiologist
  • NDIS Connection desk

Visiting Specialists

  • Cardiologist- Dr Nick Collins
  • Rehabilitation Physician- Dr Melissa McCarney
  • COPD Clinic with our Pharmacist Claire Frewin
  • ENT- JHH ENT and Prof Eisenberg
  • Psychiatrist – Visiting Specialist Manning Base Hospital
  • Paediatrics- Dr Shelley Deane & Dr Maureen Du Chattel
  • General Physician – Dr Patrick Oakley
  • Obstetrician – Dr Birgett Strong

Appointments

Biripi ACMC operates an appointment-based system that includes both scheduled and urgent and non-urgent care appointments. Urgent appointments are assessed by a Registered Nurse and, where clinically appropriate, booked on the same day. Biripi ACMC offers appointments with both male and female General Practitioners, supporting client choice and culturally safe healthcare.

Walk-In Clinics

Walk-in clinics are available for urgent health concerns at the following times:

  • Bushland Clinic Tuesday: 9:00am – 12:00pm
  • Bushland Clinic Thursday: 9:00am – 12:00pm

All walk-in clients will be screened by an Aboriginal health practitioner (AHP) or Registered Nurse (RN) prior to seeing a GP to ensure appropriate and timely care.

DO’s

  • Elders
  • Babies & Children
  • Fractures
  • Chest Pain
  • Limb Weakness
  • Collapse / Altered Level of Consciousness
  • Wound Care (burns, wounds, lacerations)
  • Seizure
  • Swallowing Difficulties
  • Mental Health Concerns (sudden onset)
  • Severe Rash
  • Severe Abdominal Pain
  • Pregnancy Related Issues
  • Uncontrollable Bleeding
  • Facial Swelling
  • Trauma (including Head Injury)
  • Allergic Reaction
  • Breathing Difficulties
  • Urgent Prescriptions

DON’T’s

  • Paperwork
  • Referrals (non-urgent)
  • WorkCover certificates
  • Recalls or results
  • Owing scripts (pharmacy requested)
  • Comprehensive Assessments (715/GPCCMP)
  • Minor Rash
  • Immunisations

What happens in GP appointment

This appointment may be for preventive health care, such as a 715 Health Check, or as an opportunity to review your overall health, identify any risk factors, discuss ongoing health concerns, and develop a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP) if appropriate.

GPs-

  • David Holford
  • Ian Rae
  • Patricia Sweeney
  • Paige Corbett
  • Andrea Yip
  • Sharon Mullins

715 health checks –

A 715 Health Check is a free health assessment available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of all ages. It is designed to support overall health and wellbeing by identifying potential health concerns early and connecting people with the care and support they may need.

  • General health checks including blood pressure, height and weight
  • Hearing and vision assessments
  • Review of immunisations
  • Discussion of medical history and current medications
  • Oral health review
  • Support for healthy eating and physical activity
  • Assessment of social and emotional wellbeing
  • Development of a care plan and referrals where appropriate
  • To receive a Deadly Choice shirt book in today to get your 715 completed
  • Home – A deadly choice is a healthy choice.

 

GP Chronic Condition Management Plans (GPCCMP)

GP Chronic Condition Management Plans (GPCCMP) support clients living with chronic and complex health conditions. Through coordinated care, personalised health planning and regular reviews, our team works alongside clients to improve health outcomes, wellbeing and access to the services they need.

Integrated Team Care (ITC)

The Integrated Team Care (ITC) Program supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living with complex chronic health conditions.

Our team consist of a Registered Nurse and Aboriginal health practitioner who are trained and can assist with information, support and guidance to help you better manage your chronic condition and overall health and wellbeing.

To Access the Program

You will need a current GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP) and referral from your doctor.

Important Information

  • Support is based on your individual needs outlined in your GPCCMP and referral from your doctor.
  • Referrals are assessed according to program guidelines, available funding and staff capacity.
  • ITC is not an emergency service and cannot provide support during acute or urgent medical situations.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Chronic health conditions that is present and lasts for more than 6 months
  • Clients living with one or more chronic or complex health conditions that requires ongoing care.
  • Clients who would benefit from a coordinated care plan developed with their GP and healthcare team.

Maternal Health Program – Mums and Boori’s 

Biripi ACMC provides comprehensive antenatal and postnatal care, as well as Child and Family Health nursing services, in a culturally safe environment. Our program supports the complex health needs of Aboriginal mothers, babies and children, ensuring families receive coordinated and holistic care throughout their pregnancy and early parenting journey.

The Maternal Health Program includes routine 715 Health Checks, developmental assessments using ASQ-TRAK 2, and integrated care through shared management with our GPs and visiting Obstetrician. Biripi also provides access to a fortnightly visiting Paediatrician and a dedicated GP who conducts regular appointments with women accessing the service, supporting continuity of care throughout pregnancy and beyond.

Our Maternal Health Team offers:

  • Antenatal and postnatal care
  • Child and Family Health nursing services
  • 715 Health Checks and developmental assessments (ASQ-TRAK 2)
  • Shared care with GPs, visiting Obstetricians and Paediatricians
  • Home visiting services
  • Pregnancy, parenting and health education
  • Support for infant growth, development and wellbeing
  • Social and emotional wellbeing support for mothers and families
  • Mum’s and Boori’s postnatal group program

Meet Our Aboriginal Health Practitioners:

Biripi ACMC is proud to have four deadly Aboriginal Health Practitioners (AHPs): Ebony, Murray, Natika and Taslene.

Our AHPs are qualified health professionals who provide culturally safe care and support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and families.

AHPs –

  • Natika Griffiths
  • Murray Carle
  • Taslene Jopp
  • Ebony Wallace

Our AHPs can help with:

  • 715 Health checks and screening
  • Chronic disease management (GPCCMPs)
  • Health education and advice
  • Support referrals to specialists and other services
  • Health-related forms and paperwork
  • Connecting patients with services and community support
  • Advocating for patients and their healthcare needs
  • Our AHPs work closely with our GPs and clinical team to help you stay healthy and get the care and support you need.

Social and Emotional Wellbeing

At Biripi, we recognise that social and emotional wellbeing is shaped by strong connections to Country, culture, spiritual, family, and community. Supporting these connections is central to promoting health, resilience, and overall wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Our Social and Emotional Wellbeing services provide culturally safe support for individuals and families experiencing emotional, social, or mental health challenges.

Psychology Services

Biripi Health Services offers access to a Psychologist who provides counselling and support for a range of social, emotional, and mental health concerns. To access this service, speak with your GP about developing a Mental Health Treatment Plan and referral.

Aboriginal Health Practitioner Support

Our Aboriginal Health Practitioners are qualified health professionals who provide culturally appropriate care and support. They work alongside individuals and families to strengthen wellbeing, connect with services, and support positive health outcomes in a culturally safe environment.

Biripi Dental Services

 

Our Team

  • Dentist: Ralf Frier
  • Oral Health Therapist (OHT): Locum
  • Visiting Dental Surgeon: Dr David Sherring
  • Dental Assistants

Dental Clinic Hours

Thursday: 8:30am to 5:00pm 
Friday: 8:30am to 5:00pm

Services We Provide

Biripi Dental Services offers a range of dental treatments, including:

  • Dental examinations
  • Dental cleans
  • Fluoride applications
  • Fillings
  • Extractions
  • Surgical removals
  • Root canal treatment
  • Dental X-rays
  • Crown and bridge work (fees apply)
  • Denture services (fees apply)
  • Mouthguards (fees apply)

Eligibility for Dental Services

To access Biripi Dental Services, you must:

  1. Identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person.
  2. Be a patient of Biripi Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS).
  3. If you are new to our service, provide Proof of Aboriginality with a certified common seal stamp.
  4. Have a current 715 Health Check and/or a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP) completed with one of our GPs.

Is There a Cost?

Most dental services provided through Biripi AMS are free for eligible patients.

Please Note

  • Crown and bridge work incurs a fee due to external dental laboratory costs.
  • Denture services incur a fee as they are provided through an external service provider.
  • A 50% deposit is required before denture treatment commences.
  • The remaining balance for denture services is payable within 12 weeks.
  • All costs associated with crowns, bridge work, and denture services will be discussed with you before treatment begins.

Make an Appointment

To book an appointment with Biripi Dental Services, please call:
(02) 6591 2400

Community Wellbeing Programs

The Community Wellbeing Programs team provides a confidential, culturally appropriate and sensitive service for clients accessing our programs. The service is available for any person of the community who may be facing some challenges in their lives which is, or may result in, having an impact on their health.

Our team provides cultural group women’s, men’s, youth and Elders programs as well as one to one and family support. We can also refer to services who can provide specialist support such as health, legal, housing, early childhood, education, domestic and sexual assault and family violence.

The Community Wellbeing Programs team has a Social Worker two days a week to provide counselling to community. Contact our team if you would like a referral to see the social worker.

The team are located at Commerce St and Bushland. Drop in for a yarn, talk with one of our AHP’s or with your GP for a referral, or self-refer with one of our staff.

Services Available:

  • Cultural/spiritual health programs
  • Social and emotional wellbeing support services
  • Women, Men, Child, Youth & Family targeted group programs and 1:1 support
  • Sexual Assault, Family & Domestic Violence Support
  • Drug & Alcohol Support Services
  • Early Intervention supports which include:
    • Supporting school readiness through developmental ASQ-Track 2 assessments, coordinating 715 health assessments, coordinating hearing, vision and dental screening, referral to GP’s, child and family nurses and specialists such as paediatricians.
    • Support to access the NDIS
    • Supported Playgroup
    • Support access to early childhood services
    • HIPPY Early Literacy program
    • Parenting programs
  • Court support
  • Help with Work Development Orders
  • Probation & parole support

Access hours for the team are:

Monday to Thursday 8:30am – 5:00pm
Friday 8:30 am – 3:00 pm
Weekends – CLOSED.
Phone number (02) 6591 2400.