Emmaville doctor provides extended service

A very grateful Emmaville community has welcomed the decision of Dr Samir Elsokkary to extend his resignation date until 30 September.

Dr Elsokkary was to finish his general practice (GP) service to the Emmaville and Ashford communities, and his visiting medical officer service to Vegetable Creek Multi Purpose Service on 23 July, so that he could join his family in Sydney.

At the request of the Emmaville community, Dr Elsokkary changed the official date for his resignation so that he could continue providing them with a GP service.

Hunter New England Health’s Tablelands Cluster Manager, Wendy Mulligan, said this decision will take some of the pressure off the community who were going to have to travel to Glen Innes or Inverell for a doctor’s appointment.

“I know the community is relieved to have this extended period of service,” Ms Mulligan said.

“We are very grateful too, as Dr Elsokkary has decided to continue to provide medical services to our MPS in Emmaville as well.

“This means that we have a few more months to put in place an alternative visiting medical officer for our aged care clients in the MPS,” Ms Mulligan said.

She said the Area of Need application which is now finalised, will enable the Recruitment Committee to advertise overseas for an overseas trained doctor to fill the position – a process which is likely to take some considerable time.

“The committee will be continuing to work as hard as we can to secure a doctor to provide community and hospital services. We are still confident that advertising across Australia and internationally, and promoting the many benefits of living and working in a rural community such as Glen Innes and Emmaville, will attract the right person to the job,” she said.

Dr Elsokkary’s extended service does not include his GP service to the Ashford community.

A GP from Texas will continue to provide a very limited service to the Ashford community.

Media inquiries: Kay Cope (Communications) Ph: 6776 9817  Ref: HNE-1015

Contact: Kay Cope

Phone: 6776 9817