Guyra LHAC supports new after-hours plan

8 July 2009

Members of the Guyra Local Health Advisory Committee (LHAC) have voiced their support for a new after-hours program which will soon be introduced at Guyra Multi Purpose Service.
Guyra LHAC Chairman Bob Vidler said the program aims to decrease the after-hours pressure on Guyra’s new General Practitioner, Dr Jeyakumar.
The initiative will change how some patients are treated in the emergency department (ED). Under the new program, those who attend the Guyra ED with less urgent conditions after-hours will be assessed by an appropriately skilled senior nurse, and referred to see the doctor only if necessary.
Hunter New England Health suggested the initiative to Guyra LHAC members a number of months ago, with the group endorsing the positive approach to patient-focused care.
“As members of the LHAC, we are always on the lookout for proactive ways to improve and support the health service, on behalf of the local community,” Mr Vidler said.
“This new after-hours program looks like it will not only streamline care for patients, but it will also go a long way towards reducing the load on our new doctor. Of course, the overall goal is to encourage Dr Jey to sustain a long-term practice in the town.”
Dr Jeyakumar – or Dr Jey as he prefers to be called - began work at Guyra MPS and the Guyra Medical Centre on July 1. Dr Jey was appointed following the resignation of Dr Martin Danke earlier this year.
Mr Vidler said Guyra residents were a close-knit community who saw the value in forming solid, long-term relationships with their GP.  
“I think the community recognises they need to do all they can to support the retention of a locally-based doctor,” Mr Vidler said.
“As the LHAC has been consulted throughout the planning of this project, we have been able to see how much work has gone into its design. We have gained an understanding of how much extra training the senior nurses have been undertaking, in order to enhance their already-high skill level.
“We think it is a great idea that patients with less serious conditions will be assessed by an appropriately skilled senior nurse, not the on-call doctor. It’s just common sense.” 
The after-hours program is expected to begin during August.

(HNE-1905)

Contact: Carisa Green

Phone: (02) 6767 7135 or 0428 106 183