The Hut FAQ
Q: Who are we and what services do we offer?
A: The Hut is a place where adolescents can come along and gather information, resources and speak with relevant health professionals in a supportive and private atmosphere. A friendly non - judgmental service is provided by the team at The Hut. A Registered Nurse and General Practitioner provide a holistic approach to health care with provision of referrals to specialists and/or services including counselling, psychology, youth workers, physiotherapy, dietetics and other medical agencies.
Q: Do I need to make an appointment for The Hut?
A: No, simply come along during opening hours 2-5pm on the Tuesdays when open each month.
Q: What can I discuss in a private appointment?
A: A GP and a nurse are available to see you for any health issue or concern that you might have. Discussions may include but are not limited to:
- Nutrition, exercise and healthy living
- Relationships
- Sexual and reproductive health including STI's, safe sex, contraception and pregnancy
- Mental health and wellbeing
- Family and school life
- Drugs and alcohol
Q: How do I access The Hut services?
A: Drop in during opening hours - no appointments are necessary.
Q: What do I need to bring?
A: If possible, please bring your Medicare card and any other concession cards you may have. If you are over 15, you can apply for your own Medicare card online or we can assist you with obtaining your own Medicare card.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: All consultations with the doctor are bulk billed (meaning they require no payment from you). There is no cost for nurse consultations. Please remember to bring along your Medicare card and concession card if you have one.
Q: What happens when you arrive at The Hut?
A: You will need to report to our reception staff on arrival. A registration form will need to be completed on the first visit which will ask you to provide contact details for follow up appointments and to ensure results can be obtained if required. This information can be updated on subsequent visits. After registering we will ask you to wait in the waiting room. If the waiting room is busy, we may need to 'triage' you - ask a few questions in private to determine whether anyone needs prioritising. You will then be able to see a health professional - a doctor or a nurse.
Q: What might happen during a visit?
A: You will be able to discuss any issues, there may be an examination and/or tests may be taken if needed.
Q: Do I need my parent's permission to attend The Hut?
A: No, at The Hut we encourage adolescents to bring their parents/carers along to aid withh decisions and management plans, but it's not necessary. Adolescence is a time of emerging independence and coming on your own is an example of maturity and healthy adolescent development.
Q: Will you tell my parents/carer?
A: Confidentiality refers to your right to have your medical information kept private. This means everything you discuss with the doctor/nurse will be kept private unless you give permission for disclosure.
EXCEPT!! There are a few times when confidentiality must be breached. Under Australian law, for your safety we must break confidentiality and contact the relevant agency/authority if
- You reveal suicide intent or significant self-harming behaviour
- If someone else is threatening or harming you
- If you are at risk of harming someone else.
Q: I am a parent/carer - can I be involved in my adolescents care?
A: If an adolescent attends with a parent/carer we aim to address both their needs and concerns. Depending on the situation we may spend time alone with the young person. If difficult issues have occurred or arise between parents/carers and adolescents we may be able to assist by facilitating communication and problem solving. Our goal is to help you support your adolescent develop independence. Adolescents need for confidentiality is normal and we respect their right to confidentiality; exceptions will be made where their safety is compromised. If important issues arise we discuss, encourage and empower adolescents to talk to you - their parents/carers.
Q: If I am under 18 years of age, can I consent to medical treatment without my parents/carer?
A: Common law states that an individual under 18 years is able to consent to medical treatments without their parents/carer if they have the capacity to.
Capacity is assessed by determining whether the young person has an adequate understanding of the proposed treatment and sufficient intelligence and maturity to make such a decision.