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# Emerald Medical Centre: Emerald Medical Centre offers patient-centred GP care, after-hours nursing, bulk billing and holistic health services for the Emerald community.

## Sitemaps
[XML Sitemap](https://emeraldmed.com.au/sitemap_index.xml): Includes all crawlable and indexable pages.

## Posts
- [Closing the Gap Through Prevention, Partnership and Care](https://emeraldmed.com.au/closing-the-gap-through-prevention-partnership-and-care/): Closing the Gap starts with accessible, preventative, and culturally safe healthcare. Discover how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Assessments, vaccination discussions, and early intervention can help improve long-term health and wellbeing. Read more about how Emerald Medical Centre is supporting healthier futures for our community.
- [Proactive Dementia Screening a Growing Focus at Emerald Medical Centre](https://emeraldmed.com.au/proactive-dementia-screening-a-growing-focus-at-emerald-medical-centre/): Looking after your brain health starts with awareness. Proactive dementia screening can help detect cognitive changes early, opening the door to timely support, treatment, and better long-term outcomes. Read more to discover why early screening is so important.
- [Six Important Health Checks After 50 You Shouldn’t Ignore](https://emeraldmed.com.au/six-important-health-checks-after-50-you-shouldnt-ignore/): Wondering which health checks after 50 are most important? Regular check-ups can help detect potential health concerns early and support healthy ageing. Here are six health checks to discuss with your GP.
- [Free Pneumococcal Vaccine: Are you eligible?](https://emeraldmed.com.au/more-australians-are-now-eligible-for-the-free-pneumococcal-vaccine/): Under the updated National Immunisation Program, the eligible age has been lowered from 75 to 65, helping protect more people against serious illnesses such as pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections. Read more to learn about pneumococcal disease, who is eligible, and how to join our waitlist for vaccination.
- [EMC Welcomes Dr. Kemm back!](https://emeraldmed.com.au/emc-welcomes-dr-kemm-back/): We're delighted to welcome Dr Micaela Kemm back from maternity leave. Dr Kemm resumes consulting from Tuesday, 14 July 2026, with appointments available on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
- [Fee Increase Update – Effective 1 July](https://emeraldmed.com.au/fee-increase-update-effective-1-july/): Emerald Medical Centre has updated its consultation fees to help support the continued delivery of high-quality healthcare services for our community, while continuing to invest in our doctors, nurses, clinic staff, facilities, and patient care services. Please read the full update for more information on the revised fees and our ongoing commitment to patient-centred care.
- [FluMist® at EMC](https://emeraldmed.com.au/flumist-at-emc/): Influenza can lead to serious illness in children, and vaccination remains the best way to help protect them and those around them during flu season. FluMist® is given as a gentle nasal spray rather than a traditional injection, making it a helpful option for children who may feel anxious about needles.
- [Dementia Care in The Hills](https://emeraldmed.com.au/dementia-care-in-the-hills/): At Emerald Medical Centre, we are continuing to strengthen the way we approach dementia and cognitive care within the practice. This includes further education and training for our clinical team, refining screening and support pathways, and building more proactive and coordinated care processes for patients experiencing memory concerns or cognitive decline.
- [ATSI Health Assessments](https://emeraldmed.com.au/atsi-health-assessments/): An ATSI Health Assessment is a comprehensive check-up available to eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients. These assessments are designed to provide a broader overview of a patient’s health and wellbeing while supporting early intervention and ongoing care.
- [Free Protection Against RSV](https://emeraldmed.com.au/free-protection-against-rsv/): Emerald Medical Centre is proud to offer the new government-funded RSV vaccine starting 15 May under the National Immunisation Program. Designed to support healthy ageing, this single-dose vaccination provides up to three seasons of protection against severe respiratory illness. Eligible patients, including seniors and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, are encouraged to join our priority waiting list today.
- [A Health Update for the Hills: Preparing for Flu Season 2026](https://emeraldmed.com.au/a-health-update-for-the-hills-preparing-for-flu-season-2026/): As the cooler months arrive, Emerald Medical Centre is encouraging the Hills community to prepare for the 2026 flu season. Annual vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent serious illness and protect vulnerable family members. Book your appointment today to ensure you're covered before the peak winter period.
- [Welcome Dr Ben to Emerald Medical Centre 👋](https://emeraldmed.com.au/1122-2/)
- [Welcoming back Dr Sudi to EMC!](https://emeraldmed.com.au/welcoming-back-dr-sudi/)
- [Mirena / IUD Insertions Available](https://emeraldmed.com.au/mirena-iud-insertions-available/)
- [Travel Vaccines](https://emeraldmed.com.au/travel-vaccines/): Travel Travel
- [Updates to Chronic Condition Care Plans](https://emeraldmed.com.au/hello-world/): From 1 July 2025, Medicare is updating how chronic disease care plans (also called GP Management Plans) are structured.
- [Important Changes to Bulk Billing at Emerald Medical Centre](https://emeraldmed.com.au/important-changes-to-bulk-billing-at-emerald-medical-centre/): An upcoming change to our bulk-billing policy at Emerald Medical Centre, effective from Monday, 14th October 2024.
- [How are you feeling during covid-19?](https://emeraldmed.com.au/how-are-you-feeling-during-covid-19/): It's important to look after your mental health during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
- [Coronavirus Pandemic Update: Don’t neglect your other health needs!](https://emeraldmed.com.au/coronavirus-pandemic-update-dont-neglect-your-other-health-needs/): Don't neglect your other health needs! It's business as usual in General Practice
- [Telephone Consultations](https://emeraldmed.com.au/telephone-consultations/): Telephone Consultations: As of March 2020 the federal government allowed GPs to perform funded telehealth (phone or video) consultations
- [Coronavirus Patient Information](https://emeraldmed.com.au/coronavirus-patient-information/): IF YOU SUSPECT YOU MAY HAVE NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19), PLEASE CALL THE DEDICATED HOTLINE ON 1800 675 398 OR ATTEND A DEDICATED COVID-19 SCREENING CLINIC.
- [One Warrior – Emily’s Story](https://emeraldmed.com.au/one-warrior-emilys-story/): The incredible Emily Somers has shared a new blog post on Bravery Co. about her journey with cancer.
- [You’re invited to our Grand Opening!](https://emeraldmed.com.au/youre-invited-grand-opening/): Emerald Medical Centre invites you to celebrate our grand reopening Sat 8 Apr, 12:30–4pm with music, art, kids’ fun & free sausage sizzle!
- [Dr. Murphy article from 1981](https://emeraldmed.com.au/dr-murphy-article-1981/): Dr Murphy, founder of Emerald Medical Centre, was deeply devoted to the town and practised medicine right up until his passing
- [Towards a Patient Centred Medical Home!](https://emeraldmed.com.au/towards-patient-centred-medical-home/): Emerald Medical Centre reopens with new facilities, on-site health services & solar-powered resilience—strengthening care & community.
- [Almost there! Renovation update](https://emeraldmed.com.au/almost-construction-update/): Our new Medical Home is nearly complete, with the lift set to be operational next week—exciting progress for the community!
- [Renovations in progress!](https://emeraldmed.com.au/latest-construction-photo/)
- [My Health Record](https://emeraldmed.com.au/my-health-record/)
- [Asthma and Action Plans](https://emeraldmed.com.au/asthma-and-action-plans/): Asthma action plans help patients manage triggers, improve lung function & cut hospital visits. Review with your GP yearly.
- [Why the gap payment is rising](https://emeraldmed.com.au/why-the-gap-payment-is-rising/): Ever wonder why there is a gap payment and why it is increasing? This chart shows why.
- [Free Home Medicines Reviews](https://emeraldmed.com.au/home-medicines-review/)
- [Patent Survey Results](https://emeraldmed.com.au/patent-survey-results/): Asthma action plans empower patients to manage symptoms, avoid attacks, cut hospital visits and improve daily wellbeing.
- [Extension Plans Approved!](https://emeraldmed.com.au/extension-plans-approved/): Emerald Medical Centre is thrilled to share that our second-storey extension has been approved! Here are the new plans, along with the current floor and site plans for comparison.
- [Book your appointment online](https://emeraldmed.com.au/book-appointment-online/): We're happy to announce that booking an appointment with your doctor is more convenient than ever with our online appointment system
- [Emerald’s Doctor Shortage](https://emeraldmed.com.au/emeralds-doctor-shortage/): Emerald faces a GP shortage but isn’t classified as such due to shire rules. George Somers took the issue to Canberra. Read more in Ranges Trader.
- [Flu Season](https://emeraldmed.com.au/flu-season/): Flu season’s here! Book your flu shot with our nurse (weekdays, Wed eve & alt Sat am). Free for over 65s & most with chronic disease.
- [Immunisation is a lifesaver](https://emeraldmed.com.au/immunisation-is-a-lifesaver/): This article was recently published in the July 2013 Signpost Community Magazine, published by St Mark's, Emerald (www.signpostmagazine.org.au).
- [After Hours Nurse Availability](https://emeraldmed.com.au/after-hours-nurse-availability/): We now offer after-hours nursing: Wed evenings & alt Sat mornings. Perfect for patients who can’t attend in daytime. Learn more here.
- [Welcome to our website](https://emeraldmed.com.au/welcome-to-our-website/): The new website is up! Feel free to let us know what you think of it. We can be contacted at mail@emeraldmed.com.au.
- [New Patient Form Online](https://emeraldmed.com.au/new-patient-form-online/): If you're a new patient at Emerald Medical Centre you can now register online. Fill it out at your leisure and save time when you arrive at the practice. To fill it in, click here.
- [Happy Holidays](https://emeraldmed.com.au/happy-holidays/): We are a mixed billing private practice and request payment at the time of consultation. Your Medicare rebate will then be credited to your account on the same day.

## Pages
- [Our Policies](https://emeraldmed.com.au/our-policies/)
- [Visiting Specialists](https://emeraldmed.com.au/visiting-specialists/)
- [About Emerald Medical Centre](https://emeraldmed.com.au/about-emerald-medical-centre/)
- [Accreditation](https://emeraldmed.com.au/accreditation/)
- [Emerald Medical Centre For Residents Of Gembrook](https://emeraldmed.com.au/medical-centre-gembrook/): Emerald Medical Centre, a short drive from Avonsleigh, offers top-notch medical services and convenient parking. Visit us at 1 Murphys Way, Emerald, VIC.
- [Emerald Medical Centre For Residents Of Cockatoo](https://emeraldmed.com.au/medical-centre-cockatoo/): Looking for a GP in Cockatoo? Check out Emerald Medical Centre, just a short 10 minute drive away and accessible via public transport
- [Emerald Medical Centre For Residents Of Avonsleigh](https://emeraldmed.com.au/medical-centre-avonsleigh/)
- [Booking](https://emeraldmed.com.au/booking/)
- [Payment Information](https://emeraldmed.com.au/payment-information/)
- [Team](https://emeraldmed.com.au/teams/)
- [Contact Us](https://emeraldmed.com.au/contact-us/)
- [About Us](https://emeraldmed.com.au/about-us/)
- [Services](https://emeraldmed.com.au/services/)
- [Home](https://emeraldmed.com.au/)

## Services
- [Mirena / IUD](https://emeraldmed.com.au/services/mirena-iud/)
- [Diabetes Management](https://emeraldmed.com.au/services/diabetes-management/)
- [Emergency & After Hours Medical Centre](https://emeraldmed.com.au/services/emergency-after-hours/): Important emergency and after hours care information, as well as useful contact details.
- [Geriatrician](https://emeraldmed.com.au/services/geriatrician/)
- [Pharmacist Medication Reviews](https://emeraldmed.com.au/services/pharmacist-medication-reviews/)
- [Diabetes Educator](https://emeraldmed.com.au/services/diabetes-educator/)
- [Podiatry](https://emeraldmed.com.au/services/podiatry/)
- [Iron infusions](https://emeraldmed.com.au/services/iron-infusions/)
- [Work Cover, Insurance and Legal Reports](https://emeraldmed.com.au/services/work-cover-insurance-and-legal-reports/)
- [Telehealth Services](https://emeraldmed.com.au/services/telehealth-services/)
- [Chronic Disease Management](https://emeraldmed.com.au/services/chronic-disease-management/)
- [Health Assessments](https://emeraldmed.com.au/services/health-assessments/)
- [Vaccinations & immunisations](https://emeraldmed.com.au/services/vaccinations-immunisations/)
- [Procedures](https://emeraldmed.com.au/services/procedures/)
- [Skin Checks](https://emeraldmed.com.au/services/skin-checks/)
- [Children’s care](https://emeraldmed.com.au/services/childrens-care/)
- [Mental Health](https://emeraldmed.com.au/services/mental-health/)
- [Men’s Health](https://emeraldmed.com.au/services/mens-health/)
- [Women’s Health](https://emeraldmed.com.au/services/womens-health/)

## Team Members
- [Dr Benjamin Hewson](https://emeraldmed.com.au/team/dr-benjamin-hewson/): Dr. Ben is a versatile physician with a background in Biomedical Engineering and over a decade of clinical experience. After completing basic physician training (RACP) and seven years in Emergency Medicine (ACEM), he now provides comprehensive care in the Cardinia area.
- [Dr Sudi Godagama](https://emeraldmed.com.au/team/dr-sudi-godagama/): Sudi graduated from medicine at Deakin University in 2020 and completed his GP training with Emerald Medical Centre in 2024.
- [Dianne](https://emeraldmed.com.au/team/dianne/)
- [Deb](https://emeraldmed.com.au/team/deb/)
- [Bianca](https://emeraldmed.com.au/team/bianca/)
- [Judy](https://emeraldmed.com.au/team/judy/): On entering the medical centre, you will be instantly put at ease by our warm & proficient receptionists.
- [Jackie](https://emeraldmed.com.au/team/jackie/): On entering the medical centre you will be instantly put at ease by our warm & proficient receptionists.
- [Bev](https://emeraldmed.com.au/team/bev/): On entering the medical centre you will be instantly put at ease by our warm & proficient receptionists.
- [Cassie](https://emeraldmed.com.au/team/cassie/): On entering the medical centre you will be instantly put at ease by our warm & proficient receptionists.
- [Colleen](https://emeraldmed.com.au/team/colleen/): Colleen leads our reception and nursing teams with professionalism and warmth, helping the clinic run smoothly every day.
- [Jonathon Somers](https://emeraldmed.com.au/team/jonathon-somers/): Occupational Therapist with a passion for improving patient wellbeing within the primary health care sector. Jonathon has a strong belief that a coordinated approach to GP led healthcare, which is supported by a multidisciplinary team will assist in achieving optimal patient health outcomes.
- [Kirby](https://emeraldmed.com.au/team/kirby/): Our nurses are available Monday to Saturday, including some weekday evenings.They provide a wide range of services, including health checks for patients aged 75+ and 45–49 years, care plans, diabetes and asthma education, adult and childhood immunisations, travel vaccinations, spirometry, quit smoking counselling, ECGs, wound dressings, and cervical screening tests.
- [Amy](https://emeraldmed.com.au/team/amy/): Our nurses are available Monday to Saturday, including some weekday evenings.They provide a wide range of services, including health checks for patients aged 75+ and 45–49 years, care plans, diabetes and asthma education, adult and childhood immunisations, travel vaccinations, spirometry, quit smoking counselling, ECGs, wound dressings, and cervical screening tests.
- [Carley](https://emeraldmed.com.au/team/carley/): Our nurses are available Monday to Saturday, including some weekday evenings.They provide a wide range of services, including health checks for patients aged 75+ and 45–49 years, care plans, diabetes and asthma education, adult and childhood immunisations, travel vaccinations, spirometry, quit smoking counselling, ECGs, wound dressings, and cervical screening tests.
- [Susanne](https://emeraldmed.com.au/team/susanne/): Our nurses are available Monday to Saturday, including some weekday evenings.They provide a wide range of services, including health checks for patients aged 75+ and 45–49 years, care plans, diabetes and asthma education, adult and childhood immunisations, travel vaccinations, spirometry, quit smoking counselling, ECGs, wound dressings, and cervical screening tests.
- [Dr Jonathan Beavers](https://emeraldmed.com.au/team/dr-jonathan-beavers/): Jonathan is a local, and provides support and expertise in Geriatric Medicine for the Emerald community.A Geriatrician is a doctor who specialises in managing health problems that arise as we get older, as well as managing challenging or complex health problems. Jonathan has experience in looking after people with multiple health problems as well as people who are having difficulty managing their daily routine because of their health.
- [Dr Simone Weragoda](https://emeraldmed.com.au/team/dr-simone-weragoda/): Simone originally trained as a physiotherapist before deciding on a career in medicine. Upon finishing medical school in 2012, she worked at The Royal Melbourne Hospital gaining experience in a wide range of medical specialties.
- [Dr Johnathan Tham](https://emeraldmed.com.au/team/dr-johnathan-tham/): Johnathan graduated from University of Melbourne in 2018. He completed his junior doctor training at Monash Health and Eastern Health network for two and a half years. During this time, he completed further training in Women’s health. He is interested in all areas of general practice with more emphasis on general medicine and preventative health.
- [Dr Kasuni Hematilaka](https://emeraldmed.com.au/team/dr-kasuni-hematilaka/): Kasuni graduated from Barts and The Royal London Medical school in the UK in 2006.
- [Dr Micaela Kemm](https://emeraldmed.com.au/team/dr-micaela-kemm/): Micaela graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2008, before working at Eastern and Western Health as a junior doctor and completing her GP training in Canberra with a rural stint in Eden, NSW. She then spent 2 years working in Indigenous Health in the Northern Territory – Alice Springs and Galiwin’ku (Elcho Island). 
- [Dr Vassili Lapchine](https://emeraldmed.com.au/team/dr-vassili-lapchine/): Vassili graduated from Medical School in Russia. Once moving to Australia he completed the RACGP exams in 2003. He commenced work at Emerald Medical Centre in 1999.
- [Dr 5](https://emeraldmed.com.au/team/dr-5/)
- [Dr Safire Valentine](https://emeraldmed.com.au/team/dr-safire-valentine/): After graduating from the University of Melbourne in 2019, Dr. Valentine gained valuable experience at Eastern Health in various fields and obtained her certificate in women’s health. Her dedication to patient care and wellness shines through as she enjoys working in all aspects of general practice, including preventative care, women’s health, and chronic disease management. Beyond her professional commitments, Dr. Valentine has a love for gardening and finds solace in reading a good book with a comforting cup of tea.
- [Dr Nasir Bhuiyan](https://emeraldmed.com.au/team/dr-nasir-bhuiyan/): Dr Nasir Bhuiyan is a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP) and holds a Diploma of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (DRANZCOG).
- [Dr Nazmul Hoque](https://emeraldmed.com.au/team/dr-nazmul-hoque/): Nazmul has been consulting at EMC since 2004 after working in Tasmania for 3 years and having previously worked in South Africa, where he served as Principal Medical Officer at a general hospital. He enjoys family medicine & comprehensive patient care.
- [Dr George Somers (Retired owner)](https://emeraldmed.com.au/team/dr-george-somers/): George was born in Holland, and brought up in Monbulk and Tecoma. His choice to study medicine was mentored and supported by Dr Elef Jorgensen, the original doctor of Belgrave.