After graduating with Honours from the University of Sydney in 1982, Dr Hayes completed four years of residency at major Sydney teaching hospitals and their peripheral hospitals with a special interest in medicine and paediatrics and was then awarded her Certificate for Satisfactory Completion of Training for General Practice through the RACGP.
With her husband Dr Hayes served as missionary doctors in Zambia for two years, and later in Nepal, gaining extensive experience in tropical and infectious diseases, and travel medicine and more recently did some short term medical work in Samoa.
Since returning to Australia Dr Hayes has raised three children and has worked in general practice part-time on the Central Coast and has been with the team at Absolute Medical Services for 20 years.
Dr Hayes' special interests are in women's health, prevention of diseases, general medicine, children's health and travel medicine. She is qualified as a doctor in the Better Outcomes in Mental Health Program and offers management of mental health problems, with referral to supporting psychologists and psychiatrists as required. Dr Hayes is also trained in the diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions, including cryotherapy, biopsy and excision of skin lesions. Dr Hayes' focus is on care for the whole person, recognising the importance of the physical, social, emotional and spiritual aspects of the individual.
Dr Hayes is also a Clinical Editor for Health Pathways, a GP web-based tool for assessment and management of patients on the Central Coast.