Medical Services
General Health
General practice is a branch of medicine that provides comprehensive primary healthcare services to individuals of all ages and genders. General practitioners (GPs), also known as family doctors or primary care physicians, are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of acute and chronic health conditions, offer preventive care and health promotion, manage ongoing medical issues, and coordinate referrals to specialists when needed. They serve as the first point of contact for patients seeking medical care and provide continuity of care by building long-term relationships with their patients. General practice encompasses a broad spectrum of medical services, including routine check-ups, immunizations, management of chronic diseases, minor surgical procedures, and counseling on lifestyle modifications for overall health and well-being.
Pap Smears
Pap smears, also known as Pap tests or cervical cytology tests, are screening tests used to detect abnormal cells in the cervix, which may indicate cervical cancer or precancerous changes. During a Pap smear, a healthcare provider collects cells from the cervix using a small brush or spatula. These cells are then examined under a microscope to look for any abnormalities in their appearance or structure. Pap smears are typically recommended for women starting at age 21 and should be performed regularly according to guidelines from healthcare organizations. Regular Pap smears are essential for early detection and prevention of cervical cancer, as they can identify abnormal cells before they develop into cancerous lesions, allowing for timely intervention and treatment.
Contraception – Mirena & Implanon
Contraception methods such as Mirena and Implanon are long-acting, reversible birth control options for women.
Mirena is an intrauterine device (IUD) that releases a small amount of the hormone levonorgestrel into the uterus, which thickens cervical mucus, thins the uterine lining, and inhibits sperm movement. It is effective for up to 5 years and is highly reliable at preventing pregnancy.
Implanon is a small, flexible rod that is inserted under the skin of the upper arm and releases the hormone etonogestrel. This hormone works similarly to levonorgestrel to prevent ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, and thin the uterine lining. Implanon is effective for up to 3 years.
Both Mirena and Implanon are considered highly effective forms of contraception, with failure rates of less than 1%. They are convenient options for women who want long-term birth control without the need for daily pill-taking. Additionally, both methods are reversible, meaning fertility returns shortly after removal.
Menopause
Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s menstrual cycles and reproductive years. It typically occurs in women around their late 40s to early 50s, although the exact timing can vary. Menopause is characterized by the gradual decline in hormone production, particularly estrogen and progesterone, by the ovaries.
Sexual Dysfunction
Sexual dysfunction refers to a variety of difficulties that can occur during any stage of the sexual response cycle, preventing an individual or couple from experiencing sexual satisfaction. These difficulties may manifest as problems with desire, arousal, orgasm, or pain during sexual activity.
Common types of sexual dysfunction include:
- Erectile dysfunction (difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection)
- Premature ejaculation (ejaculating too quickly)
- Delayed ejaculation (difficulty ejaculating despite adequate stimulation)
- Female sexual arousal disorder (difficulty becoming sexually aroused or maintaining arousal)
- Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (lack of interest in sexual activity)
- Painful intercourse (dyspareunia or vaginismus)
Fertility Issues
Fertility issues refer to difficulties experienced by individuals or couples when trying to conceive a child. These issues may involve challenges with conception, maintaining a pregnancy, or carrying a pregnancy to term. Common causes of fertility issues include:
- Ovulation disorders: Problems with ovulation, such as irregular menstrual cycles or failure to ovulate, can make it difficult for women to conceive.
- Tubal factors: Blockages or damage to the fallopian tubes can interfere with the fertilization of the egg by sperm or the transportation of the fertilized egg to the uterus.
- Uterine factors: Abnormalities in the uterus, such as fibroids or polyps, can affect implantation or the ability of the uterus to support a pregnancy.
Breast Checks
Breast checks refer to the process of examining the breasts for any abnormalities or changes that may indicate breast health concerns, such as breast cancer or benign breast conditions. These checks can be performed by individuals themselves through self-examinations or by healthcare providers during clinical breast exams.
During a breast check, individuals or healthcare providers may:
- visually inspect the breasts for changes in size, shape, or symmetry
- palpate (feel) the breasts and surrounding areas for lumps, thickening, or other abnormalities
- examine the nipples for changes in appearance, such as inversion or discharge
- assess the axillary (underarm) lymph nodes for any swelling or tenderness
Doctors At This Practice Offering This Service
Dr Deborah Thomas
Dr Deborah Thomas
Dr Deborah Thomas
(Lilian Cooper Womens Health Centre)
Dr Elizabeth Westra
Dr Elizabeth Westra
Dr Elizabeth Westra
(Lilian Cooper Womens Health Centre)
Dr Liz Westra graduated from the University of Queensland in 1986 and has been working in general practice since 1990.
Dr Liz is a General Practitioner with a particular interest in women's health. She is passionate about providing holistic health care to women of all ages with a focus on the "well women". Liz is trained in QLD, at the University of Queensland, then undertook 3 years of generalist hospital training before entering the speciality of general practice.
Liz is committed to practising evidence-based quality medicine and regularly updates her knowledge by attending seminars and lectures. Areas of speciality includes health screening, fertility, menopause, anxiety/depression and sexual health. Routine general practice problems are also welcomed.
Liz advocates a patient centred approach, allowing patients to be a partner in the management of their health needs. She is delighted to be a part of the Lilian Cooper Centre, a pleasant and supportive environment, where both staff and doctors are committed to helping patients achieve healthy, balanced lives.
In her spare time, she enjoys keeping fit, golf, walking and reading, catching up with friends and nurturing her 4 adult children.
Dr Karen Yew
Dr Karen Yew
Dr Karen Yew
(Lilian Cooper Womens Health Centre)
Dr Linda Spinks
Dr Linda Spinks
Dr Linda Spinks
(Lilian Cooper Womens Health Centre)
Dr Linda Spinks graduated from Qld University in 1983 and practiced as a GP in rural Qld for 13 years where her interest in Womens Health and Menopausal Medicine developed. She was involved in developing preventive health screening clinics for women in smaller rural towns.
Her special interest is in Menopausal Medicine and she has been a member of the Australasian Menopause Society for more than 10 years. She has been Honorary Treasurer and Chair of the Education Sub Committee.
Linda has also been actively involved in the accreditation of general practices, having been a surveyor for Australian General Practice Accreditation and a member of the Review Committee.
Dr Mary Jane Stanley
Dr Mary Jane Stanley