Hunter New England Health has welcomed the appointment of former Sydney-based doctor, Dr John Liu to the team at Tenterfield Health Service this week.

Dr Liu has joined Hunter New England Health as a Visiting Medical Officer, and will provide first-rate care and on-call services for patients at Tenterfield Health Service.

Tablelands Cluster General Manager Wendy Mulligan said the recruitment of Dr Liu was a huge coup for the region.

"The recruitment of Dr Liu to the Tenterfield region has been the result of a great partnership between Tenterfield Medical Centre and Hunter New England Health.

"It’s wonderful news for Hunter New England Health and the Tenterfield community who can access Dr Liu’s services through the Tenterfield Medical Centre and now at the hospital as well," Mrs Mulligan said.

Dr Liu will provide outreach support to surrounding communities including Emmaville/ Vegetable Creek, on a regular basis, providing care closer to home for residents of these outlying areas.

"Recruitment has been an ongoing challenge across many smaller rural sites within our area," Mrs Mulligan said.

"Dr Liu brings a caring and committed approach to his role at the hospital, and has already proven his dedication to this area by his commitment to our smaller communities," she said.

Director of Tenterfield Medical Centre Kerry Swain has been instrumental in the bid to recruit new doctors to the area, and accompanied Dr Liu as part of his orientation to the region.

"Dr Liu really likes the area and is looking forward to making it his home," Mrs Swain said.

"Originally from China, Dr Liu has lived and worked in Australia since 1988, with general practice experience in Forbes and Bathurst, and most recently working in a Sydney emergency department.

"He comes to us with a lot of experience and skills, and while he builds up his practice at the Tenterfield Medical Centre, Dr Liu is quite happy to help out at Emmaville and Deepwater, and we are appreciative of his support for the region" Mrs Swain said.