HOSPITAL

The Indian Ocean Territories Health Service offers a wide range of medical, nursing and ancillary health services. Qualified medical, nursing and ancillary health workers provide these services. The health facilities are modern and well equipped, and include accident and emergency rooms, consulting rooms, laboratory, dental clinic, operating theatre, 8 inpatient beds, x-ray and ultrasound facilities. Patients requiring specialist emergency care are assisted in their travel to Perth, and emergency cases are evacuated to Perth through the RFDS. The hospital is open 24 hours for medical advice and treatment. The nurse will attend to after hours emergency call outs. If the nurse on call thinks the doctor is required he/she will summon the doctor after assessing the patient. The after hours number is 9164 8336. During normal hours ring 9164 8333. There are two doctors on the island who practice from the Hospital. Appointments can be made 7.30am to 4.00pm Mon to Fri. Routine medical services are provided free to Australian citizens & permanent residents. If you have an ongoing health problem bring a photocopy of your health record to the Health Centre together with any medications you may be on. It is wise to see your specialist just prior to leaving the mainland so that follow up appointments can be arranged when you next take recreation leave. Child health care services, such as immunisations, are also available at the hospital. There is also a voluntary St Johns Ambulance Service.

DENTAL

Dental services are available on the island and include a school service with an on site facility. There is however, no orthodontic treatment available. It is worthwhile making sure that you have a dental checkup before you arrive on island and have any major work completed as not all dental services are readily available. Appointments must be made in advance as there is usually a waiting period and waiting periods vary according to availability of the dentist.

Enquiries and appointments:

Adult dental care - 91648343

Child dental care - School Dental Clinic 91647082

THE ISLAND PHARMACY

The Island Pharmacy is situated at The Temple Court shops on Gaze Rd and stocks a full range of supplies for use in the hospital and also for the community. It would be advisable to contact the pharmacist prior to arrival on (08)9164 8337 to ensure that any special medications you need are in stock. Charges for prescriptions are similar to those on the mainland and non-prescription items can be purchased over the counter. The pharmacy is open on Mon-Fri from 9.00am to 5.00pm, Sat 9.00am to 12.00noon. If urgently in need of medication outside these hours please contact the Hospital. The pharmacist advises that a good Christmas Island “survival kit” should include suncream, vitamin supplements (for children as well as adults) and mosquito repellent. These items are available from the pharmacy as well as a range of other products found in mainland pharmacies such as skin and hair care ranges, sunglasses, beauty products, contact lens products and over the counter medications.