Children are seen here at every age, from the first newborn check to the teenage years. Children aged 12 and under are bulk billed whenever the practice is open – weekdays, evenings and weekends – so a sick child on a Sunday costs nothing out of pocket.
What we can help with
- Newborn checks and the six-week check for baby (and for you)
- Childhood immunisations on the National Immunisation Program schedule
- Unwell children – fevers, ear and throat infections, rashes, vomiting, coughs and wheeze
- Asthma and eczema management
- Growth, feeding and sleep concerns
- Development and behaviour concerns, including assessment and referral
- School, sport and camp forms and medical certificates
Immunisations
All of the doctors who work from Health Nexus give childhood immunisations, in hours and after hours, on weekdays and at weekends. Vaccines on the National Immunisation Program are government-funded for eligible children. If your child has fallen behind, or had vaccinations overseas, bring whatever record you have and a catch-up plan can be worked out – see overseas immunisation records.
An unwell child today
Phone (03) 6351 5610 or send an urgent appointment request and reception will fit your child in with the first available doctor. The walk-in clinic runs 5–7pm on weekdays and 1–3pm on weekends with no appointment needed. For difficulty breathing, a seizure, a child who cannot be roused or a non-blanching rash, call 000 or go straight to the Emergency Department.
Development and behaviour
If you are worried about speech, learning, attention, behaviour or social development, book a long appointment. A GP can take a proper history, do an initial assessment, arrange hearing and vision checks and refer on to paediatrics, psychology or allied health where that is the right next step.
The doctors
Children are welcome with any of the doctors who work from Health Nexus. These doctors see a lot of children:
- Dr Sana Mahmud – children’s health, immunisations
- Dr Nadia Khan – children’s health, women’s health
- Dr Nalika Hendawitharana – children’s and women’s health
- Dr Sunethra Semasinghe – children’s health, mental health
- Dr Asim Razak – children’s health, chronic disease
- Dr Kamal Udawattage – child health, preventive health
- Dr Arsalan (Sam) Mahmud – children’s health, acute and after-hours care
Fees and Medicare
Health Nexus Launceston is a mixed-billing practice. Children aged 12 and under are bulk billed whenever the practice is open, including evenings and weekends. Pension card holders over 65 and DVA Gold Card holders are bulk billed on weekdays between 8am and 5pm. Everyone else pays the consultation fee with the Medicare rebate claimed on the spot. The current fees are on the fees and bulk billing page.
The practice is open 8am–8pm Monday to Friday, 8am–5pm Saturday and 9am–5pm Sunday, every day of the year, and on every public holiday at the standard hours for that day.
Common questions
Are children bulk billed?
Yes. Children aged 12 and under are bulk billed for consultations whenever the practice is open, including evenings, weekends and public holidays.
Do I need a referral to see a paediatrician?
Yes, a GP referral is needed for a paediatrician to attract a Medicare rebate. A GP will assess your child first, arrange any tests, and refer if specialist input is needed.
Can my child be seen after school or on a weekend?
Yes. The practice is open until 8pm on weekdays, 8am–5pm on Saturdays and 9am–5pm on Sundays, every day of the year.
Who gives the immunisations?
The doctors who work from Health Nexus give childhood immunisations, with the practice nursing team assisting.
My child is unwell today – what do I do?
Phone (03) 6351 5610 or send an urgent appointment request online. You can also use the walk-in clinic, 5–7pm weekdays and 1–3pm weekends.
