Health Resource Directory
Abuse and violence
(5 items)Elder abuse
Elder abuse is defined by the World Health Organization as “a single or repeated act, or lack...
Female genital mutilation
Female genital mutilation, or cutting, is any procedure that involves partial or total removal of, or injury...
Arm injuries
(5 items)Shoulder dislocations and instability
A shoulder dislocation is when the upper arm bone comes out of the shoulder blade socket. Shoulder...
Shoulder pain
Shoulder pain is very common. It is a sign that all or part of your shoulder is...
Blood-related conditions
(8 items)Myeloma
Myeloma, also called multiple myeloma, is a type of blood cancer affecting plasma cells. Plasma cells are...
Nose bleed (Epistaxis)
Epistaxis is another name for nose bleeds. It is a common problem in both children and adults....
Septic Arthritis
Septic arthritis is an infection in a joint. Somehow bacteria has spread to the joint or bones...
Cancer
(24 items)Acute leukaemia
Acute leukaemia is a type of blood cancer that develops quickly. If you have acute leukaemia, your...
Bowel cancer screening
Early diagnosis helps reduce the number of Australians who die each year from bowel cancer. The National...
Breast cancer follow up
Follow up with your care team is recommended after treatment for breast cancer. They will check whether...
Breast cancer survivorship
Breast cancer survival rates are improving. This means that are more and more women who are...
Cervical screening
Cervical screening is a test that checks for early signs of cervical cancer. When cervical cancer is...
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL)
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL) is a type of blood and bone marrow cancer. The bone marrow is...
Familial cancer syndromes
When a gene changes, it increases the risk of cancer in a family. This is called a...
Head and neck cancer
Head and neck cancer is a general term used for different types of cancers that develop in...
Life after cancer
After treatment for cancer ends, you will have regular appointments with your GP to monitor your health....
Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system helps the body...
Myeloma
Myeloma, also called multiple myeloma, is a type of blood cancer affecting plasma cells. Plasma cells are...
Oesophageal cancer
Oesophageal cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the cells that line the oesophagus. The...
Self-care for people with cancer
Living with cancer impacts your physical and emotional health in many ways. It’s normal to face challenges...
Child development
(20 items)Bedwetting (Enuresis)
Enuresis is involuntary bedwetting during sleep in a child under 5 years old. It is a common...
Developmental milestones
GPs use milestones to track your child’s development. Milestones are the skills and tasks children can do...
Eye problems in children
Eye problems are common in children. These problems can happen because of injury, infection or begin at...
Inguinal hernia (Lumps or Swelling in Children)
An inguinal hernia is a lump that occurs in the groin. Lumps in the groin area in...
Misshapen or flat head (Plagiocephaly)
Plagiocephaly (misshapen or flat head) is when a baby has an uneven or flat spot on their...
Newborn checks
Newborn checks are routine assessments of all infants at 1 to 4 weeks of life, and 6...
Penis and Foreskin in Children
The foreskin is the loose skin at the head of the penis. The foreskin usually won’t pull...
Preterm and low birth weight in infants
Preterm infants are born before 37 weeks of gestation. Low-birth-weight infants are babies weighing under 2500g at...
Short stature in children
A child with short stature is much shorter than other children of the same age. When a...
Temper tantrums
Temper tantrums, also known as tantrums, are emotional outbursts. If your child is having a tantrum, they...
Torticollis in infants
Torticollis is a when the neck muscles spasm and the neck twists to the side. It is...
Tounge-tie
Tongue-tie is a condition which is present at birth. It is when the band which connects the...
Umbilical Hernia
An umbilical hernia is a lump under the belly button. You might find it after the baby...
Undescended Testes
Undescended testes is when a testicle hasn’t moved into the bag of skin below the penis (the...
Unsettled or crying baby
It is very common for a baby to cry a lot during the first 12 months. This...
Child physical health
(15 items)BCG vaccination
The BCG vaccine is the vaccine for tuberculosis, also known as TB. Tuberculosis is a serious bacterial...
Bronchiolitis
Bronchiolitis is a common type of viral chest infection. It usually happens in babies under 12 months...
Diabetes in children
Diabetes happens in children when the glucose level in their blood stays high. Everybody has glucose in...
Eczema in children
Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition causing dry, itchy skin that can become...
Eye problems in children
Eye problems are common in children. These problems can happen because of injury, infection or begin at...
Foreign objects inhaled
It is very common for small children to put items in their mouths, and then potentially inhale...
Headaches in children
Headaches are a common pain syndrome seen in children, along with recurrent abdominal and leg pains. The...
Heart murmur in children
A heart murmur is when the blood flowing through the heart makes an extra noise. Normal heart...
Neck lumps in children
It is very common for children to develop lumps in their necks. The most common cause is...
Pain relief for children
For children, treatment depends on the age of the child and cause of their pain. Common pain...
Physical activity in children
Regular physical activity is essential for your child’s health, growth and development. Kids need to be active...
Culturally and linguistically diverse communities
(2 items)Refugee Health Assessment for Adults
A refugee health assessment is a detailed check of a person who has arrived in Australia as...
Refugee Health Assessment for Children and Adolescents
The refugee health assessment is a detailed check of a child or adolescent who has arrived in...
Diabetes
(17 items)Diabetes and driving
Patients with diabetes may be taking medication which increases the risk of high blood sugar while driving. ...
Diabetes in children
Diabetes happens in children when the glucose level in their blood stays high. Everybody has glucose in...
Self-monitoring blood glucose
Self-monitoring of blood glucose is recommended for all people with type 1 diabetes. It is also recommended...
Diet and lifestyle
(10 items)Chronic Fatigue
Chronic fatigue syndrome (myalgic encephalitis) is a chronic disease that can affect many of the bodies systems....
Nutrition resources
Scroll down for recommended resources to guide you towards eating a healthier diet.
Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency means you don’t have enough vitamin D in your body. Vitamin D helps our...
Weight management in adults
Managing your weight can lower your risk of developing health conditions. Overweight and obesity is associated with conditions...
Drug and alcohol
(8 items)Cocaine, Ecstasy, and Other Drugs
Cocaine and ecstasy are two commonly used illegal drugs. These drugs are damaging to your health and...
Opioid dependence treatment
Opioid dependence treatment is treatment for people who are dependent on opioids. Opioids are pain-relieving medications. There...
Ear, nose and throat conditions
(3 items)Ear Infection
Ear infection happens when fluid builds up behind the ear drum. This is the middle part of...
Sinusitis
Sinusitis means infection or inflammation of the sinuses. Your sinuses are in your cheeks, forehead and around...
Tonsilitis
Tonsilitis is swelling of the tonsils. The tonsils are lymph nodes in the back of the mouth and...
Eye conditions
(9 items)Cataracts
A cataract is when the lens in your eye becomes cloudy. Inside our eyes, we have a...
Eye Injury
An eye injury can happen due to an accident, sports injury, or if you get something in...
Eye problems in children
Eye problems are common in children. These problems can happen because of injury, infection or begin at...
Eyelid lesions
An eyelid lesion is a lump on the eyelid. They are common and can be painful or...
Mitochondrial disease
Mitochondrial disease is caused by a problem with one or more of the genes that make up...
Pterygium
Pterygium is a fleshy overgrowth on the surface of the eye. It is common and can affect...
Red eye
Redness of the eye is common. It can occur in one or both eyes. It happens when...
Vision loss
Vision loss means a person cannot see things like they used to, or they cannot see things...
Foot and ankle injuries
(5 items)Foot and toe injuries
There are many things which can cause foot or toe pain and injury. Most foot and toe...
Foot pain
Foot pain can affect the toes, midfoot, ankles, arches and heel. There are many types and causes...
Gastrointestinal conditions
(13 items)Bowel cancer screening
Early diagnosis helps reduce the number of Australians who die each year from bowel cancer. The National...
Bowel polyps
A bowel polyp is an abnormal growth on the inside of the large bowel. Approximately 50% of...
Coeliac Disease
Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disease. It happens when the immune system reacts badly to gluten. Gluten...
Constipation
Constipation is when you find it hard to empty your bowel (have a bowel movement). It will...
Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis (gastro) is a common condition which affects the gut. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain and...
Indigestion and reflux
When you chew and swallow food, it is pushed down into the stomach by different muscles. Sometimes,...
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is the name for two conditions. They are both caused by a problem...
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is when your gut is irritated. Around one in five Australian experience IBS...
Splenomegaly
The spleen is on the left side of the belly. It filters the blood and removes abnormal...
Genetic conditions
(5 items)Chronic Fatigue
Chronic fatigue syndrome (myalgic encephalitis) is a chronic disease that can affect many of the bodies systems....
Mitochondrial disease
Mitochondrial disease is caused by a problem with one or more of the genes that make up...
Hand and wrist injuries
(7 items)Dislocated finger
A dislocated finger is a common hand injury. It happens when the bones in the finger are...
Trigger finger
If you have trigger finger, your finger may get stuck or locked after flexing. Trigger finger is...
Heart health
(6 items)Cardiovascular disease
Cardiovascular disease is a term for a range of diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels....
Heart murmur in children
A heart murmur is when the blood flowing through the heart makes an extra noise. Normal heart...
Rheumatic Heart Disease
What is rheumatic heart disease? Rheumatic fever can cause damage to the heart. This is called rheumatic heart disease. The...
Immunisation
(6 items)Adverse events following immunisation
Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFIs) is the term used to describe certain medical issues that people may...
BCG vaccination
The BCG vaccine is the vaccine for tuberculosis, also known as TB. Tuberculosis is a serious bacterial...
Travel vaccination
Travel vaccinations are vaccines that protect against the serious diseases you may encounter when travelling overseas. Overseas...
Infectious diseases
(6 items)Measles
Measles is a viral disease that spreads easy and can cause severe problems. It remains a common...
Meningitis
Meningitis can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. It is very rare but serious. If...
Osteomyelitis
Osteomyelitis is swelling of the bone. It happens when germs (bacteria) spreads from the blood stream to...
Rabies and bat lyssavirus
Rabies and Australian bat lyssavirus are viruses that spread through bites or scratches from infected animals. These...
Staphylococcal (Staph) Infections
Staphylococcus aureus (or ‘staph’) and Group A streptococcus (GAS) are kinds of bacteria which can be found...
Zika virus
Zika is a virus that spreads through infected mosquito bites. It can also be sexually transmitted. In...
Kidney and bladder conditions
(8 items)Kidney stones
Kidney stones are small, hard deposits that form in the kidneys. They are common and can be...
Urinary incontinence
Urinary incontinence is the involuntary or accidental leakage of urine. This affects 30% to 50% of...
Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
A urinary tract infection (UTI) happens when germs get into the urethra, bladder, vagina or kidneys. They...
Liver conditions
(5 items)Jaundice in babies
Jaundice in babies is common. Signs of jaundice in a baby include yellow skin, yellow eyes, fatigue...
Local health services
(6 items)Community Health Centres
Community Health Centres are open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.00pm.
Emergency care
Note: For emergencies, dial 000 and ask for AMBULANCE.
Multicultural services and translated resources
This page lists resources on many health conditions with translations for non-English speakers. Scroll down to find information from children’s...
Lung conditions
(13 items)Bronchiolitis
Bronchiolitis is a common type of viral chest infection. It usually happens in babies under 12 months...
Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition that mostly affects your lungs, pancreas and sweat glands. It causes...
Inhaler devices
You may need to use a medicine called an ‘inhaled medicine’. These types of medicines can only be delivered using...
Persistent cough in children
A cough is a very common symptom in children. It can be caused by many different things....
Silicosis
Silica is a common mineral which can be found in bricks, tiles and concrete. Silica can become...
Whooping cough (Pertussis)
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a life-threatening infection in vulnerable people. Symptoms are similar to...
Medical procedures
(6 items)Vaginal pessaries
A vaginal pessary is a removable device that is put into the vagina. It is used to...
Medical tests
(24 items)Myocardial perfusion scan
A Myocardial Perfusion Scan (also known as a Sestamibi Scan) is a test to examine the blood...
Mental health
(27 items)Eating disorders
Eating disorders are mental health conditions that cause a person to develop disordered or extreme eating habits....
Mental health treatment plan
A mental health treatment plan is written for people with mental ill-health. If you have mental health...
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition. It is when a person experiences intense...
Psychosis
Psychosis is a serious mental health condition affecting the mind. People with psychosis can experience an altered...
Neurological disorders
(8 items)ADHD in adults
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a developmental disorder that affects how people behave. People with ADHD...
Headaches in adults
Headaches are very common and usually not concerning. Many people can treat their headache with over-the-counter pain...
Respiratory muscle weakness
Respiratory muscle weakness can be a serious problem for people who live with neuromuscular disease. The most...
Older person's health
(14 items)Before entering residential aged care
Before entering residential aged care it is important for your GP to look at in home support...
Cataracts
A cataract is when the lens in your eye becomes cloudy. Inside our eyes, we have a...
Elder abuse
Elder abuse is defined by the World Health Organization as “a single or repeated act, or lack...
Older person’s health assessment
An over 75s health assessment is a yearly test that helps your GP to: identify any health...
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease of the bone that makes it weaker and more likely to fracture. There...
Shingles
Shingles is an infection. It is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Shingles is most common...
Urinary incontinence
Urinary incontinence is the involuntary or accidental leakage of urine. This affects 30% to 50% of...
Pain management
(6 items)Headaches in adults
Headaches are very common and usually not concerning. Many people can treat their headache with over-the-counter pain...
Shoulder pain
Shoulder pain is very common. It is a sign that all or part of your shoulder is...
Whiplash injuries
Whiplash happens when your head moves very quickly one way and then back again. It can happen...
Pregnancy
(28 items)Antenatal care
Antenatal care refers to the regular appointments and tests you have during your pregnancy. You’ll need to...
Hyperemesis gravidarum
Around 72% of pregnant women experience nausea with or without vomiting during pregnancy. Usually it starts between...
Improving breast milk supply
Sometimes, women have a low breastmilk supply after birth. There are many reasons why a woman’s breast...
Medicine in pregnancy and breastfeeding
Most medicines are safe to take at the recommended dose while breast feeding. Tell your doctor if...
Mental health and pregnancy
Pregnancy can be an emotional time for many women. It’s not uncommon for pregnant women to experience...
Postnatal care
After you have a baby, you should see your GP soon after. They will check your body...
Pregnancy and weight gain
During pregnancy, some weight gain is normal. How much weight you gain depends on what you weighed...
Sexual health
(18 items)Genital Ulcers
Genital ulcers are small sores on your penis, vagina or anus. They can be caused by infections...
Thrush (Vulvovaginal candidiasis)
Vulvovaginal candidiasis is a fungal infection in the vagina. It is caused by a growth of candida...
Skin conditions
(13 items)Scabies
Scabies is a skin problem. It is caused by tiny mites. They burrow into the skin and...
Warts and verrucas
Warts and verrucas are small, hard lumps on the skin. They are caused by different strains of...
Supporting your health
(31 items)Chickenpox and pregnancy
Chickenpox is an infectious disease. It is very contagious and anyone of any age can catch it....
Department of Veterans’ Affairs
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs is a government department that offers support for people who have served...
Disability support services
Disability support services are services that help people with disabilities, their families and carers. The Australian government...
Driving and vehicle assessment
If you have a medical condition that could affect your ability to drive safely, you will need...
Energy rebates for medical equipment and low income households
Low Income Household Energy Rebate The NSW Government provides assistance measures to help households with their energy costs. Eligibility for...
Food allergy and intolerance
A food allergy is when the immune system responds to an allergen (an ingredient that is usually harmless)...
Hand hygiene
Hand hygiene is the process of cleaning your hands with soap and water to prevent spreading diseases....
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is due to an overactive thyroid. The thyroid is a gland in the neck. It makes...
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is when you have an underactive thyroid, causing it to produce lower than normal amounts of...
Make the GP part of your family
What is a GP? GPs, or general practitioners, play a central role in the delivery of general health treatment and...
Motor vehicle accidents
If you are injured in a motor vehicle accident in NSW, the compulsory third party (CTP) Green...
My Health Record
My Health Record is a secure online summary of your health information. The record keeps information about...
National Disability Insurance Scheme
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) offers financial support for Australians who have permanent and significant disability....
Organ and tissue donation
Organ and tissue donation is the process of donating your organs and tissues to people who are...
Physical activity in adults
It is important to keep active as an adult. Being active reduces your risk of mental and...
Polypharmacy
Polypharmacy is when people are taking five or more medications each day. These can be prescribed, over...
Positive FOBT result
A Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) looks for blood in your bowel motion (poo). A positive result...
Return to work after an illness
Returning to work after an illness can be challenging, but your GP is here to help. Returning...
Rheumatic fever
What is rheumatic fever? Rheumatic fever can happen if a throat infection isn’t treated. It can affect your joints, heart,...
Self-care for people with cancer
Living with cancer impacts your physical and emotional health in many ways. It’s normal to face challenges...
Self-monitoring blood glucose
Self-monitoring of blood glucose is recommended for all people with type 1 diabetes. It is also recommended...
Subclinical hyperthyroidism
What is subclinical hyperthyroidism? Subclinical hyperthyroidism is when a person has a low amount of thyroid stimulating hormone. It usually...
Support for carers
Caring for someone can be a challenging task. Many people provide informal support for friends or family...
Travel health advice
When you travel, it is important to think about your health. This is especially true if you...
Your Healthcare Journey
You are the centre of your healthcare journey You are the best person to be in charge of your own...
Surgical procedures
(5 items)Weight management surgery
Weight management surgery refers to a surgical intervention designed to reduce the size of the stomach to...
Women's health
(35 items)Abnormal vaginal bleeding
Abnormal vaginal bleeding includes intermenstrual bleeding, postcoital bleeding, and postmenopausal bleeding. These are symptoms, not a diagnosis....
Absent periods (Amenorrhoea)
Periods happen as part of the natural menstrual cycle. They usually happen every month. It is normal...
Breast engorgement
Breast engorgement is swelling of the breast. It may happen when you start breastfeeding and can also...
Cervical screening
Cervical screening is a test that checks for early signs of cervical cancer. When cervical cancer is...
Chronic pelvic pain
Chronic pelvic pain is abdominal and/or pelvic pain that has lasted for at least 6 months. It...
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is an inflammatory illness with lesions of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus. It can cause pelvic...
Female genital mutilation
Female genital mutilation, or cutting, is any procedure that involves partial or total removal of, or injury...
Heavy menstrual bleeding
Heavy menstrual bleeding means a heavy period. This can affect a woman’s quality of life. Most menstrual...
Improving breast milk supply
Sometimes, women have a low breastmilk supply after birth. There are many reasons why a woman’s breast...
Mastitis and breast abscess
Mastitis is swelling in the breast. Most times, it is caused by an infection. It usually happens...
Menopause
Menopause is defined as not having a period for more than a year in a non-pregnant woman....
Pelvic organ prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse is when one or more pelvic organs bulge into the vagina. This happens when...
Period pain (dysmenorrhoea)
Dysmenorrhoea means a painful period. It is common but often under-diagnosed or treated. It can make life...
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder. It often affects young women’s metabolism and...
Postmenopausal bleeding
Postmenopausal bleeding is any bleeding from the vagina that happens after menopause. Around one in ten women...
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is the physical and psychological symptoms that happen each menstrual cycle. They happen during the...
Sore, Tender and Damaged Nipples
Nipple pain is common in the early days of breastfeeding. It generally improves after the first few...
Subfertility
Subfertility is when a person finds it hard to fall pregnant. Eight in ten couples who...
Thrush (Vulvovaginal candidiasis)
Vulvovaginal candidiasis is a fungal infection in the vagina. It is caused by a growth of candida...
Urethritis
Urethritis is an inflammation of the urethra (the tube which takes urine from the bladder to outside...
Urinary incontinence
Urinary incontinence is the involuntary or accidental leakage of urine. This affects 30% to 50% of...
Vaginal pessaries
A vaginal pessary is a removable device that is put into the vagina. It is used to...
Vulvodynia
Vulvodynia is long lasting pain of the vulva without an obvious cause. It can include burning, stinging,...
Wounds
(3 items)Burns
A burn, or burn injury, happens when skin is injured by heat. Common causes of a burn...