Emergency Medicine

Important Note: If you are experiencing a serious medical emergency, call 000 or go directly to your nearest hospital emergency department.

What Can a GP Clinic Manage in an Urgent Situation?

At Emerald Lakes Medical Clinic, our doctors are equipped to manage non-critical emergencies such as minor cuts, falls and other urgent injuries. Minor procedures and wound care can also be provided on-site where appropriate. Our reception staff are trained to identify urgent cases and prioritise patients who need prompt attention.

Cuts and Wounds

Most cuts and lacerations, including those requiring stitches, can be treated by a GP. If the bleeding can be controlled, the wound is not deep, and there is no obvious damage to tendons or nerves, it can usually be managed in our clinic.

Our doctors can clean the wound, assess the injury, and close it with stitches, skin staples or adhesive strips, depending on the type of wound. We can also provide advice on wound care and follow-up.

For wounds with uncontrolled bleeding, possible tendon, joint or bone damage, or large or complex lacerations, we recommend seeking emergency medical care.

Sprains and Minor Injuries

Ankle sprains, muscle strains, and minor sports injuries are common reasons people seek urgent medical care. Many of these can be assessed and managed at a clinic.

At Emerald Lakes Medical Clinic, our doctors can examine the injury, determine whether an X-ray is needed, and provide initial advice on rest, compression and pain relief. If an X-ray is required, we can arrange a referral quickly.

Fractures and more serious orthopaedic injuries are managed differently. If imaging indicates a fracture, especially one that is displaced, involves a joint, or requires immobilisation or surgical review, our doctors will refer you to the appropriate specialist or hospital service.

Common Infections

Our doctors are experienced in diagnosing and treating common infections including:

Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

If you have symptoms such as pain or burning when urinating, frequent urges to urinate, or cloudy urine, a GP can assess your symptoms, arrange any necessary testing, and recommend appropriate treatment.

Ear infections

Both adults and children can develop ear infections. These include outer ear infections, often called swimmer’s ear, and middle ear infections, which are common in children. Our doctors can examine the ear and recommend appropriate treatment.

Skin infections

Localised skin infections, including cellulitis, infected wounds, and boils, can be assessed and treated at our clinic. If an infection appears to be spreading quickly, involves the face, or is accompanied by a high fever and illness, urgent medical care may be needed. Our doctors will advise you accordingly.

Migraines

Migraines are a common condition that can usually be diagnosed and treated by a GP. If you have a history of migraines, your GP can help you manage ongoing symptoms. However, not every severe headache is a migraine. Some symptoms alongside a headache require urgent medical attention and should prompt a call to 000 or a visit to the emergency department.

Seek emergency care for a headache if you experience any of the following:

• Sudden onset of the worst headache you have ever experienced
• Fever, stiff neck, or sensitivity to light (these may indicate meningitis, which is a medical emergency)
• Weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking
• Vision changes or confusion
• Headache following a head injury

Children’s After-Hours Illnesses

Parents may be unsure whether their child needs emergency medicine or can wait to see a GP. Many common childhood illnesses do not require immediate emergency care when the child is otherwise well and responsive.

Conditions that may be suitable for a GP appointment:

• A mild to moderate fever in a child over 3 months old who is otherwise alert and responsive
• A common cold with a runny nose, mild sore throat and low-grade fever
• Mild vomiting or diarrhoea in a child who is still drinking fluids and has no signs of dehydration
• A minor rash with no difficulty breathing or swelling

Take your child to an emergency department if they have the following:

• A temperature of 38°C or higher in a baby under 3 months
• Difficulty breathing or noisy breathing
• Persistent vomiting or signs of dehydration, such as no wet nappies, a dry mouth, or sunken eyes
• Unusual drowsiness or difficulty waking
• A febrile seizure or other convulsion

Minor Burns

Minor burns that affect only the outer layer of skin (superficial burns) are generally safe to treat at home initially and then review with a GP. These burns typically appear red, are painful, and do not involve extensive blistering.

A GP should assess burns that have developed blisters or cause concern about their severity. Burns affecting the face, hands, feet or genitals may require urgent medical attention.

Go directly to the emergency department for burns that:

• Are deep, even if they are not painful
• Cause patches of brown, black or white skin, or skin that looks leathery
• Cover a large area of the body
• Affect the airway or make it difficult to breathe
• Were caused by chemicals or electricity

Specialist Referrals from Emerald Lakes Medical Clinic

Emerald Lakes Medical Clinic can provide referrals to specialist services where required. This includes orthopaedic review for fractures, specialist wound care, ENT (ear, nose, and throat) referrals, and other relevant services depending on your clinical needs.

Our doctors will discuss your situation and, where a referral is appropriate, guide you through the process. Bulk billing applies to consultations at our clinic, meaning there are no out-of-pocket expenses for eligible patients.

Serving the Gold Coast Community

Emerald Lakes Medical Clinic services the Gold Coast region from Beenleigh to Tweed, including Upper Coomera, Pacific Pines, Helensvale, Hope Island, Maudsland, Southport, Nerang, and surrounding suburbs.

For non-critical urgent concerns, our clinic can assess and manage a range of conditions that do not require hospital emergency care. Our doctors have experience in emergency medicine and provide care for patients of all ages.