Helping you get the health care you need
All secondary students are able to visit the GP clinic. Our GP will provide you with health information, advice and treatment. You can go to the GP for any physical or mental health concerns, including about your sexual and reproductive health.
The clinic runs on a Tuesday from 8:30am to 12:00pm during school terms, in a private consult room at the Skill Centre.
How can I make an appointment for the GP?
To book in with the GP Clinic and see a doctor at St George SHS:
- Call the St George Medical Centre on 0746 255 344 or drop in to the Surgery and request to make an appointment with the High School Clinic on a Tuesday.
- At the start of the lesson, let your teacher know what time your doctor appointment is at so as you can be released from class.
- Just before your appointment time, go to the Front Office an sign out to see GP.
- Walk over to Skill Centre Reception and take a seat in the foyer.
- The GP will see you in a private consult room.
- Go to the Front Office and sign in to return to school.
- Take the sign in slip with you to back to class.
Do I see the GP by myself?
It’s up to you. You can the doctor by yourself, or you can choose to go with a parent/carer.
Can I consent (agree) to my own medical treatment?
Yes, if the GP thinks you understand what the treatment means, how it will help you and what the risks are, you will be considered a ‘mature minor’ and be able to make your own decision about treatment. In making their decision, the GP will consider:
- your age and maturity;
- your independence – whether you live at home with a parent/carer, or support yourself;
- how serious the treatment is; and
- if you understand why the treatment is needed, what it involves, and things that might go wrong (like side effects from medication, or other complications)
If the GP doesn’t consider you to be a ‘mature minor’, then they can still give you support, but will need to get permission from your parent/carer first.
How much will it cost to see the GP?
Seeing the GP at school is free. You will need to remember to bring your Medicare card (or your Medicare number) with you to your appointment.
What is a Medicare card and how do I get my own?
A Medicare card allows people to get medical services and medicines at low cost or for free.
Usually young people are named on their parents’/carers’ Medicare card. If you are 15 years or older, you can get your own Medicare card by completing a simple application with Medicare Australia. The GP can help you with this process.
What if I can’t get a Medicare card (or number)?
No worries. We’ll be able to help you. Let reception know when you make your appointment, or let the doctor know when you go to your appointment.
Will my parent/carer know that I went to the GP?
If the GP thinks you can see them by yourself and make your own decisions about treatment, they will not share information with your parents/carers, unless you say they can, there is an immediate risk to your or other’s safety and wellbeing, or they are required or permitted by law. This is called confidentiality.
However, if you are under 15 years of age and are still on your parents’ Medicare card, your parents will generally have access to information about your appointment via their Medicare account. This means they will be able to see the date of your appointments and the name of the GP you have seen. If you are worried about this, talk to the GP.
Will the school GP tell anyone at school about my appointment?
Your conversation with the GP will be confidential and not shared with anyone else, unless you agree, there is an immediate risk to your or other’s safety and wellbeing, or the GP is permitted or required by law to tell someone. In some situations, the GP may think your parents/carers (or teachers) should know about your visit and treatment. The GP will tell you why this is and will help you to talk with them if needed.