Barton Lane Practice has changed its name to Tallowwood Health.

Both the Tamworth community and how healthcare is delivered look very different now from when we began over 130 years ago. Throughout that time, our practice has changed names and locations to meet the healthcare needs of the community. This tradition continues as we look forward to the future as Tallowwood Health.

We’re changing our name but everything else remains the same. Our leadership remains local. Our core values remain continuity, integrity, healthy choices, and excellence. You’ll still find us within the Tamwell building, and the same staff will answer the same phone number. This is an opportunity to innovate, to serve, and to keep looking after Tamworth for many years to come.

121 Johnston Street
(Tamwell Building, Ground floor) Tamworth, NSW 2340

Monday to Friday: 8:30am – 6:00pm

For urgent medical concerns outside these hours, please contact the on-call doctor on the after-hours phone number. Please note this is a service only available for current regular patients only. Fees apply for phone advice and call outs.

Please note:
The practice is closed on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays

Ph: 02 67666166
Fax: 02 67666341

After hours on-call doctor: 0407 255 321

For all emergencies please call an ambulance on: 000

EXCELLENCE

At Tallowwood Health (formerly called Barton Lane Practice), we strive that everything we do is defined by excellence and we are thankful for the recognition we have received in this area:

2022 – Winner – RACGP – National General Practice of the Year

2022 – Winner – RACGP NSW & ACT (State) – General Practice of the Year

2022 – Finalist – Quality Business Awards – Excellence in Small Business

2022 – Nominee – Quality Business Awards – Excellence in Customer Service in Health & Well Being

2022 – Nominee – Regional Business Awards – Excellence in Small Business

2022 – Finalist – PHN Primary Care Quality and Innovation Awards: Primary Care Leader – Organisation category

2021 – Finalist – Quality Business Awards – Excellence in Customer Service in Health & Well Being

2019 – Finalist – Quality Business Awards – Excellence in Customer Service in Health & Well Being

CONTINUITY

As a testament to continuity, the Australian Tallowwood is one of the oldest of around 900 species of eucalypt, and experts believe it to be around 40-44 million years old. The bulk of species we see today have developed over the past 2-10 million years, pointing to the steadfast nature of the Tallowwood.

The history of Tallowwood Health originates in 1892, with the move by Dr. Austin Nathaniel Cooper into the building at 454 Peel Street Tamworth, on the eastern corner of White Street.

From this time, a number of doctors continued in the practice from the same building, known locally at first as “454” then as the “Big Five” (during the 1950s), and then the “Big Six” (this was a reference to the number of doctors).

The practice then moved into purpose-built premises at 131 Marius Street in 1985, thus becoming the Marius Street Medical Centre.

In 1998, the doctors moved from the Marius Street building to a medical center, built at the corner of Johnston Street and Barton Lane.

In 2023, Barton Lane Practice changed its name to Tallowwood Health, looking forward to continuing well into the future.

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Tallowwood Health

Tallowwood Health

Welcome to our fully accredited, modern practice. We have been providing high quality medical care to the Tamworth region since 1892.

We’re so excited to welcome Dr. Kim Hoa Rogers to the Tallowwood Health team! 🎉👩‍⚕️

Starting today, Dr. Rogers will be seeing patients Monday through Friday. 💙✨

Let’s give her a warm welcome and make her feel right at home! 🙌

We’d also like to wish a belated happy birthday to Noah, one of our amazing admin team members, who celebrated yesterday! 🥳🎂🎈 Thank you, Noah, for everything you do to keep our team and patients supported every day. 🌿🌟

We’re so excited to welcome Dr. Kim Hoa Rogers to the Tallowwood Health team! 🎉👩‍⚕️

Starting today, Dr. Rogers will be seeing patients Monday through Friday. 💙✨

Let’s give her a warm welcome and make her feel right at home! 🙌

We’d also like to wish a belated happy birthday to Noah, one of our amazing admin team members, who celebrated yesterday! 🥳🎂🎈 Thank you, Noah, for everything you do to keep our team and patients supported every day. 🌿🌟
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1 month ago

6 CommentsComment on Facebook

Happy birthday Noah. You have been a wonderful addition to the Tallowwood team. You're always polite, professional, helpful & a pleasure to speak with. I hope you had a wonderful day for your birthday 🎂

Noah is a asset to Tallowwood health team always polite and pleasure to talk too happiest of birthdays Noah

I thought Doug had retired

Welcome

I take it she is to be a permanent long term member of the team, not just for 6 mths?

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Dr Douglas Rutherford – For service to the township of Tamworth

Dr Douglas Rutherford commenced working in Tamworth NSW in 1986, initially at Marius Street Practice, and continuing as the practice moved to Barton Lane, where he continues to practice at Tallowwood Health as a General Practitioner. Dr Rutherford’s interests in the medical field include minor surgery, urology and palliative care.

Congratulations and thank you Dr Rutherford!

***

Each year Rural Doctors Network (RDN) recognises GPs who have achieved 35+ years’ service to remote, rural and regional communities in NSW. This year, sixteen outstanding GPs were honoured with a 2024 Rural Medical Service Award. Read more: www.nswrdn.com.au/site/index.cfm?module=news&pagemode=indiv&page_id=2655856

#Tamworth #RMSAAwards #ruralgp #ruralmedicine #ruralhealth #ruralhealthcare
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2 months ago

22 CommentsComment on Facebook

He is so kind . Congratulations and thank you Dr Rutherford .

Sincere congratulations on a life of service duly recognised! Great to hear & be able to recognise the enormous dedication & care bestowed on us by our rural Generalist GP's. How blessed are we! 😀

My GP for thirty seven years now. An amazing doctor, consultant and all round professional person. Thank you Dr. Rutherford. My life is indebted to your talents. Thank you again and an absolute congratulations on this fabulous award of recognition. Kindest cheers, Graeme Mills

Congratulations to a wonderful GP. A pleasure to work for.

Great news. An award well deserved. Congratulations Dr Rutherford

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🎄✨ Tallowwood Health Christmas & New Year Opening Hours ✨🎄

Dear Tallowwood Health Family,

As we approach the festive season, we’d like to share some important updates about our Christmas and New Year schedule:

📅 Closed on the 25th, 26th, and 27th of December, as well as the 1st of January, 2025.

🔔 A gentle reminder to ensure you have an adequate supply of prescriptions and address any essential health needs before the festivities begin. Our team is here to assist you.

For urgent medical matters during these times, please contact:
 • The Urgent Care Clinic at 02 6768 3222.
 • Tamworth Base Hospital on Dean Street.
 • Our after-hours on-call doctor at 0407 255 321.

We hope this festive season brings you good health, joy, and cherished moments with loved ones. 🎁 If you’re traveling, please stay safe on the roads. 🚗✨

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 🎅🎄

Warm regards,
Your Tallowwood Health Team 💚

🎄✨ Tallowwood Health Christmas & New Year Opening Hours ✨🎄

Dear Tallowwood Health Family,

As we approach the festive season, we’d like to share some important updates about our Christmas and New Year schedule:

📅 Closed on the 25th, 26th, and 27th of December, as well as the 1st of January, 2025.

🔔 A gentle reminder to ensure you have an adequate supply of prescriptions and address any essential health needs before the festivities begin. Our team is here to assist you.

For urgent medical matters during these times, please contact:
• The Urgent Care Clinic at 02 6768 3222.
• Tamworth Base Hospital on Dean Street.
• Our after-hours on-call doctor at 0407 255 321.

We hope this festive season brings you good health, joy, and cherished moments with loved ones. 🎁 If you’re traveling, please stay safe on the roads. 🚗✨

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 🎅🎄

Warm regards,
Your Tallowwood Health Team 💚
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2 months ago
🌟 Join Our Team at Tallowwood Health! 🌟

Position: Administrative Assistant (Gap Year)

Tallowwood Health is a trusted name in the Tamworth medical community, committed to continuity of care, integrity, healthy choices, and excellence. We are currently seeking a positive and enthusiastic individual to join our administrative team for a 12-month gap year position.

“This last year has given me a greater knowledge and understanding of the health industry and has provided me with experience that will assist me with future study and career opportunities.”
— Noah, Gap Year Student, 2024

About the Role:
 • Full-time position (38 hours/week)
 • Attractive employment package with above-award wages
 • Monthly RDO (Rostered Day Off)
 • Support for professional development in a positive, health-conscious work environment

Selection Criteria
Essential
 • A positive approach to a collaborative working environment.
 • The ability to work independently, show initiative, and work productively in a team environment.
 • Ability to maintain a high level of professionalism and confidentiality.
 • Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.
 • Ability to communicate with a diverse range of people.

Note: This position is for school leavers only.

Key Responsibilities
 • Phone management in a courteous and professional manner.
 • Liaise with patients and their families in a compassionate manner.
 • Liaise with GPs, health professionals, and staff.
 • Manage patient bookings.
 • Manage clinical documents appropriately with a high level of accuracy (e.g., type, scan, file, and fax).
 • Handle cash, EFTPOS, and other transactions.
 • Participate in ongoing professional development activities.
 • Maintain patient/practice confidentiality.
 • Any other administration duties as directed by management.

The successful applicant is required to have or be willing to undertake prior to commencement:
 • Current Working With Children Check
 • Current National Criminal History Check
 • Current CPR certificate or willingness to undertake
 • Current Driver’s Licence
 • A pre-employment interview
 • At least two appropriate references for contact
 • A cover letter addressing the essential criteria

How to Apply:
Visit www.tallowwoodhealth.com.au for more information.

Contact the Office Manager at (02) 6766 6166 for any inquiries.

Deadline: Applications close at 5pm on Friday, 27th December 2024.

We look forward to hearing from you! ✨

🌟 Join Our Team at Tallowwood Health! 🌟

Position: Administrative Assistant (Gap Year)

Tallowwood Health is a trusted name in the Tamworth medical community, committed to continuity of care, integrity, healthy choices, and excellence. We are currently seeking a positive and enthusiastic individual to join our administrative team for a 12-month gap year position.

“This last year has given me a greater knowledge and understanding of the health industry and has provided me with experience that will assist me with future study and career opportunities.”
— Noah, Gap Year Student, 2024

About the Role:
• Full-time position (38 hours/week)
• Attractive employment package with above-award wages
• Monthly RDO (Rostered Day Off)
• Support for professional development in a positive, health-conscious work environment

Selection Criteria
Essential
• A positive approach to a collaborative working environment.
• The ability to work independently, show initiative, and work productively in a team environment.
• Ability to maintain a high level of professionalism and confidentiality.
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.
• Ability to communicate with a diverse range of people.

Note: This position is for school leavers only.

Key Responsibilities
• Phone management in a courteous and professional manner.
• Liaise with patients and their families in a compassionate manner.
• Liaise with GPs, health professionals, and staff.
• Manage patient bookings.
• Manage clinical documents appropriately with a high level of accuracy (e.g., type, scan, file, and fax).
• Handle cash, EFTPOS, and other transactions.
• Participate in ongoing professional development activities.
• Maintain patient/practice confidentiality.
• Any other administration duties as directed by management.

The successful applicant is required to have or be willing to undertake prior to commencement:
• Current Working With Children Check
• Current National Criminal History Check
• Current CPR certificate or willingness to undertake
• Current Driver’s Licence
• A pre-employment interview
• At least two appropriate references for contact
• A cover letter addressing the essential criteria

How to Apply:
Visit www.tallowwoodhealth.com.au for more information.

Contact the Office Manager at (02) 6766 6166 for any inquiries.

Deadline: Applications close at 5pm on Friday, 27th December 2024.

We look forward to hearing from you! ✨
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2 months ago

2 CommentsComment on Facebook

Well done Noah

Annabel Richards

📣 Congratulations to Dr. Sarah Woodford!

We are thrilled to share that Dr. Sarah Woodford delivered the sponsor address at this year’s Medical Student Rural Inspiration Conference in Sydney last weekend, representing the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) as their Registrar Representative.

We are extremely proud of her well-deserved recognition. With her extensive experience in rural health advocacy and leadership, Dr. Woodford is deeply committed to inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals to explore the diverse and rewarding opportunities in rural health.

Her achievements and dedication are a testament to the bright future of rural healthcare, and we couldn’t be prouder!

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1K5HBSod4D/?mibextid=CTbP7E

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BPa96TUAU/?mibextid=CTbP7EImage attachmentImage attachment

📣 Congratulations to Dr. Sarah Woodford!

We are thrilled to share that Dr. Sarah Woodford delivered the sponsor address at this year’s Medical Student Rural Inspiration Conference in Sydney last weekend, representing the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) as their Registrar Representative.

We are extremely proud of her well-deserved recognition. With her extensive experience in rural health advocacy and leadership, Dr. Woodford is deeply committed to inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals to explore the diverse and rewarding opportunities in rural health.

Her achievements and dedication are a testament to the bright future of rural healthcare, and we couldn’t be prouder!

www.facebook.com/share/p/1K5HBSod4D/?mibextid=CTbP7E

www.facebook.com/share/p/1BPa96TUAU/?mibextid=CTbP7E
... See MoreSee Less

2 months ago

6 CommentsComment on Facebook

Congratulations Sarah you are a true inspiration for the future generation⭐️

Congratulations Dr Sarah 👏 you're amazing and dedicated in your profession 💐

Congratulations to Dr Sarah. Well done and great recognition

Amazing young rural generalist!! An inspiration!! Great work Dr Sarah. 👏

🎊Well done Dr Woodford 👍👍🎊

View more comments

🌟 A Heartfelt Thank You for Your Feedback and Patience 🌟

We want to take a moment to express our sincere gratitude to all our patients who took the time recently to complete our Accreditation Surveys. Your valuable feedback helps us improve the care and services we provide, ensuring that we meet and exceed your expectations.

Based on your input, we have identified a few key areas, and are actively working on the following improvement:

 1.  Quick Access to Care: Many of you mentioned the importance of being able to see a doctor quickly when needed. We will improve our communication about how we handle these situations to ensure timely access to care.

 2. Timeliness of Appointments: We heard that waiting times can sometimes be a concern. To address this, if there is a prolonged estimated wait time upon your arrival, we will make sure delays are communicated clearly throughout the process.

 3. Convenient Scheduling: We’ve heard that booking appointments at a time that suits you is a challenge. To make it easier, HotDoc does publish our doctors’ available time slots online. Additionally, we have on-the-day cancellation system, allowing us to fill cancelled appointments and offer more availability to patients.

We deeply appreciate your constructive suggestions, and we are committed to making these improvements to provide a better experience for you. We have been working hard to recruit additional doctors to meet the growing demand for appointments. We understand it has been difficult to book appointments promptly in recent months, and we sincerely thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through this challenge. 
 
Thank you again for your support – your feedback is helping us become better every day!

🌟 A Heartfelt Thank You for Your Feedback and Patience 🌟

We want to take a moment to express our sincere gratitude to all our patients who took the time recently to complete our Accreditation Surveys. Your valuable feedback helps us improve the care and services we provide, ensuring that we meet and exceed your expectations.

Based on your input, we have identified a few key areas, and are actively working on the following improvement:

1. Quick Access to Care: Many of you mentioned the importance of being able to see a doctor quickly when needed. We will improve our communication about how we handle these situations to ensure timely access to care.

2. Timeliness of Appointments: We heard that waiting times can sometimes be a concern. To address this, if there is a prolonged estimated wait time upon your arrival, we will make sure delays are communicated clearly throughout the process.

3. Convenient Scheduling: We’ve heard that booking appointments at a time that suits you is a challenge. To make it easier, HotDoc does publish our doctors’ available time slots online. Additionally, we have on-the-day cancellation system, allowing us to fill cancelled appointments and offer more availability to patients.

We deeply appreciate your constructive suggestions, and we are committed to making these improvements to provide a better experience for you. We have been working hard to recruit additional doctors to meet the growing demand for appointments. We understand it has been difficult to book appointments promptly in recent months, and we sincerely thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through this challenge.

Thank you again for your support – your feedback is helping us become better every day!
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3 months ago

1 CommentComment on Facebook

Go Tallowwood Health!!! You are doing a mighty job in theist of very challenging circumstances......thank you!

New Patients

At present Tallowwood Health is experiencing an increased demand for appointments. As such, we do not currently have any GPs who are able to take on new patients at this time. We will continue to review our availability and hope to be able to take on new patients again soon.

Billing Information

Our goal is to provide you with high quality, comprehensive health care. As such we do not bulk bill as we cannot maintain our standard of medical care on the rebate available.
However, we do provide medical care for concession card holders at a discounted rate.
We also seek to provide care in innovative ways for people with a range of complex and chronic health care conditions. We are able to run many specific services for a range of common chronic health issues with little or no out of pocket cost to you. If you have a chronic health care need please talk to one of our doctors or other staff to learn more about what this could mean for you.
The current fee scale is displayed at reception. Please ask our receptionists for further details. We ask that fees be settled in full at the time of consultation.

INTEGRITY

The Tallowwood’s integrity is world renowned. Known for their large size and disease-resistance, the trees are native to the eastern seaboard of Australia and can often be found growing in neat clusters, standing side by side with their kin. The trees reach stretches across the Great Dividing Range, far from the richer soils of the coast, yet still thrives among their eucalypt cousins, proving it’s adaptability and determination

In the care we provide, committing to ethical and compassionate practice. By acting with kindness, honesty, respect for others and self, and in doing so being responsible, reliable and accountable for the work we do

For further information including our Privacy Policy and Feedback information, click here

There are more appointments available by calling the practice on
(02) 6766 6166
during our normal business hours