AFTER HOURS DOCTOR
252 Main Road
Derwent Park TAS 7009
Ph: 03 6165 2360
Clinic: 03 6165 2361

Unfortunately it is always possible that at some time you, or a member of your family, will need the services of a doctor outside normal surgery hours. Many patients are reluctant to ‘bother’ their doctor at these times even though this thoughtfulness may result in a delay, greater suffering or even a worsening of their medical condition.

All doctors understand that many unexpected illnesses and emergencies occur at night time and weekends when they might not be available. Many GPs in Hobart have therefore organised after hours access to medical care for you through the:

AFTER HOURS DOCTOR

The After Hours Doctor works only when your regular GP is not available at night, weekends and on Public Holidays. With your permission, the After Hours Doctor reports back to your own doctor about your illness and treatment so that your own doctor is always kept informed of your condition.

In the case of a life threatening emergency (eg severe chest pain, collapse, loss of consciousness, or shortness of breath) ring 000 and request an ambulance.

The After Hours Doctor has a clinic at:

252 Main Road
Derwent Park 7009
Telephone: (03) 6165 2361

Either surgery consultations or home visits are available at the following times:-

Clinic (Please phone 6165 2361 during our Clinic opening hours for an appointment)

Weeknights 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Weekends 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Public Holidays 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Interpreter and translating services are available for non-english speaking or hearing impaired patients.

Home Visits *

Weeknights 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 a.m.
Weekends and Public Holidays 24 hours a day

* Home visits are subject to preliminary triage by a registered nurse through Health Direct Australia on 1800 022 222, and the prior agreement by a triage doctor with GP Assist.

Management of Personal Health Information

Your medical record is a confidential document. It is the policy of the After Hours Doctor to maintain the security of personal health information at all times and to ensure that this information is only available to authorised members of staff. A copy of our Privacy Policy is available here.

FAQs

Q: What exactly is the After Hours Doctor?
A: The After Hours Doctor is an out of hours medical service (offering home-visits where necessary), which looks after the patients of participating General Practitioners in Southern Tasmania when they are off duty. The service works closely with local GPs to guarantee continuity of their patients' care.

Q: Do I need an appointment to attend the clinic?
A: Yes.  Please phone 6165 2361 during our Clinic opening hours for an appointment.

Q: How do I obtain a house call?
A: We reserve house calls for those whose situation prevents them from accessing the clinic and whose condition is sufficiently urgent to justify a doctor's visit. Please ring Health Direct Australia on 1800 022 222 to speak first with a registered nurse and, if necessary, a GP Assist triage doctor. Remember, home visits are preferably reserved for those who are severely ill, elderly or bed-ridden.

Q: What will it cost me to consult the After Hours Doctor?
A: From 1st July 2023, our fees have increased. Pensioners and Concession card holders pay a discounted fee of $71.50 for a Standard Consultation, and after you receive your Medicare rebate of $41.20, the out-of-pocket fee is approximately $30. All other patients pay $106.50 for a Standard Consultation, and after you receive your Medicare rebate of $41.20, the out-of-pocket fee is approximately $65. Fees are payable on the day.

Q: What will happen if I need a prescription and the pharmacies are closed?
A: The After Hours Doctor will usually be able to provide medication to start the treatment.

Q: What will happen if I need to go to hospital or see a specialist urgently?
A: The After Hours Doctor will advise you and make all the necessary arrangements to see a specialist promptly or enable a smooth hospital admission.

Q: What will happen if I need X-rays or blood tests carried out?
A: The After Hours Doctor can organise for an after hours X-ray and can undertake blood tests and other investigations at the time of attendance.

Q: How do I obtain my results from any tests or x-ray?
A: A copy of your results, with your permission, will be sent to your usual doctor. You should follow up your results with your usual doctor.

Q: How will my own doctor find out about my after-hours illness?
A: With your permission, the After Hours Doctor will forward your usual doctor a copy of the medical notes and, in urgent cases, report to your doctor personally.

Q: When should I call an ambulance instead of a doctor?
A: If you have very alarming symptoms, such as a collapse, shortness of breath or severe chest pains you should call an ambulance directly. The After Hours Doctor is not a substitute for an ambulance at times of serious emergency. If you are in doubt, ring the service for advice.

Q: If I am ill after-hours who should I call first, my own doctor or After Hours Doctor?
A: Your own practice may have chosen to be on duty so always call your own doctor first. If you are unsuccessful in making contact you should ring Health Direct Australia on 1800 022 222.