Illawarra Medical Centre

14/08/2026

Pneumococcal disease can cause serious, life-threatening illnesses including pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections.

Recent changes introduced to the NIP from 1 July now broaden vaccination coverage against the most common strains of pneumococcal for at risk cohorts.

These changes help simplify vaccination recommendations, lower the age at which some Australians become eligible for funded pneumococcal vaccination, and improve protection against pneumococcal disease.

Find out more in our recent blog -https://illawarramedical.com.au/pneumococcal-vaccine-changes-improve-protection-for-most-vulnerable/

12/08/2026

Happy Left Handers Day to all the left handers out there!

Today is a day to celebrate the unique attributes of our left handed friends and family members and raise awareness of the everyday issues that lefties face in a world designed for right-handers.

Did you know that while left handers only represent about 10 percent of the population, they appear to have higher health risks for certain conditions, including breast cancer, periodic limb movement disorder and psychotic disorders?

Find out more at https://www.lefthandersday.com

12/08/2026

This week is Sleep Health Week, which aims to shine the spotlight on sleep as a core pillar of health, alongside diet and exercise.

Sleep can be influenced by both biological and social factors and is linked to long-term health outcomes, including heart health, diabetes, and mental health.

Even small changes to your sleep habits can lead to meaningful improvements in your daily life, with better sleep helping to improve how we feel, think, work, learn, care, and connect with others.

If you are struggling to get a good night's sleep or have any concerns, book in with one of our GPs online or by phoning (08) 9208 6400.

11/08/2026

The IMC team got together over the weekend to wish a very warm and fond farewell to our gorgeous receptionist - Eva - who is retiring after 18 years with the practice.

We are so grateful for the help and care Eva has provided to our IMC people and patients over the years - always delivered with such calm grace - and we will miss seeing her warm and welcoming smile each day.

Thank you for everything Eva and enjoy your well-earned retirement! 💐

10/08/2026

*INTRODUCING DR HA-VY NGUYEN*
A warm IMC welcome to Dr Ha-Vy Nguyen who recently joined the practice!

Dr Nguyen enjoys all areas of general practice and has a particular interest in geriatrics, chronic disease management, and paediatrics.

Ha-Vy grew up in Bunbury, completing a Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) at Curtin University before heading to New South Wales to complete a Doctor of Medicine (MD) at the University of Wollongong.

Prior to becoming a GP, Ha-Vy worked at a number of hospitals across Western Australia, including Joondalup Heath Campus, Perth Children’s Hospital, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Albany Health Campus, Peel Health Campus, and Hollywood Private Hospital.

To make an appointment with Dr Ha-Vy Nguyen, phone us on (08) 9208 6400 or book online at https://illawarramedical.com.au

09/08/2026

National Stroke Week (3-9 August) is a reminder to think FAST when it comes to stroke and recognise the common signs:

F - Face drooping
A - Arm weakness
S - Speech difficulty
T - Time is of the essence, so call 000 straight away!

A stroke is always a medical emergency and is the third most common cause of death in Australia, as well as a leading cause of disability.

Find out more in our blog - https://illawarramedical.com.au/think-fast-when-it-comes-to-stroke/

For more information, visit https://strokefoundation.org.au

05/08/2026

05/08/2026

It's Jeans for Genes Day!

Today is all about helping to improving children’s health through research to find treatments and cures for children’s genetic diseases.

Did you know that 1 in 20 kids faces a birth defect or genetic disease, like cancer, cystic fibrosis, and life-threatening metabolic disorders?

Find out more at https://www.cmrijeansforgenes.org.au

04/08/2026

*INTRODUCING DR DARRYN SHERRY*
A warm IMC welcome to Dr Darryn Sherry who has just joined our practice!

Darryn has a particular interest in paediatrics, geriatrics and chronic health conditions.

Born and raised in Perth, Dr Sherry completing his Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from the University of Western Australia in 2013, and recently expanded his expertise with a Graduate Diploma in Child Health in 2024.

Prior to becoming a GP, Darryn worked in a number of hospitals across Western Australia, including Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Joondalup Hospital, Hollywood Hospital, and St John of God of Hospital Midland.

He has worked across multiple specialties, including general and specialist adult medicine, intensive care, anaesthetics, emergency, and paediatrics.

To make an appointment with Dr Sherry, phone us on (08) 9208 6400 or book online at https://illawarramedical.com.au

04/08/2026

It’s World Breastfeeding Week!

Many women do not breastfeed as long as they would like.
This is how to support breastfeeding mothers anytime, everywhere