Members of Guyra community are advised that Dr Martin Danke will be taking leave from Friday 8 February until Sunday 17 February, which means during this period clinical care at the Guyra MPS will be provided by skilled nursing staff.

From time to time, Dr Danke’s leave cannot be covered by a locum and the MPS puts in place procedures to safely deal with emergency presentations to the hospital during this time.

Hunter New England Health has notified the NSW Ambulance Service, Emergency Departments in surrounding communities, and management and nursing staff at nearby health service sites about the interim arrangement.

Skilled emergency trained nurses will continue to staff the Emergency Department, assessing all patients as to the level of care required in close consultation with doctors at Armidale Hospital.

The most serious patients will be transferred to Armidale or other referral hospital by Ambulance.

Guyra MPS Acting Manager Tessa Capsanis, said the community should be very grateful to Dr Danke for the excellent work he does in this community, and give him and his family every support at this time.

"People requiring medical assistance from a GP can visit a doctor at Glen Innes or Armidale, or present to the Emergency Department at Guyra for specialist nursing care who will consult with staff at Armidale Hospital," she said.