From routine check ups to acute care, Total GP Care's new Parade clinic has all your medical needs covered

If you’ve so much as glanced at the news recently, you’ll be aware that Adelaide’s hospital system is under serious strain. It’s a problem that has vexed both politicians and the public, but Doctor Arvind Byka from Total GP Care Norwood has an innovative solution.  

Total GP Care has just opened a new location above Coles in the redeveloped Norwood Mall, and in addition to a traditional GP consulting clinic it will also host a walk-in service called Total Urgent Care that is launching on September 4. “Basically, it's a service that aims to fill the gap between general practice and emergency departments,” explains Dr Byka. “We want to provide acute care for patients that need urgent medical attention for non-life threatening illnesses.”

On arrival, patients will be triaged to the correct department and a team of experienced doctors will be on hand to deal with urgent care including minor fractures and burns, infections, resolved chest pain and asthma attacks, with the option to send more acute cases on to hospital. Seven beds will allow the doctors to provide urgent care for up to 40 patients a day, while the 70 car parks directly outside the clinic on level one mean that access couldn’t be easier.  And because there are also pathology and radiology services onsite, patients are able to get x-rays, ultrasounds and blood tests with instant results if necessary. 

As well as easing pressure on the state’s health care system, the new clinic will provide a sorely needed urgent medical service in Adelaide’s eastern suburbs. And because it is co-located in a standard GP clinic with ten consulting rooms, Total Urgent Care Norwood will be able to look after everything from the treatment of sports injuries to minor fractures and stitches. A mixed-billing model means GPs can offer reduced gaps, while the acute care centre will charge a facility fee that includes medical services, diagnostic testing, radiology and pathology services. 

The aim is to establish a one-stop medical hub and as the site expands, it will also include allied health services such as podiatrists, dietitians, diabetes educators and psychologists, while Kieser Physiotherapy is located directly across from the clinic. Patients will also be able to access ultrasound clinics and get some cosmetic treatments onsite, while referral pathways have been established for various specialists including orthopaedics. 

In addition to walk-in consultations, bookings can be made directly via www.totalgpcare.com.au.