New doctors start at HealthOne Quirindi
22 March 2011
HealthOne Quirindi has attracted three new doctors to work in Quirindi.
The three General Practitioners – Dr Clifford Morrison, Dr Neil Wearne and Dr Rachel Harvey – will each work from the new HealthOne Quirindi facility on a part-time basis.
The three will join Dr Bo Wong at the new health facility when it opens next month, providing GP services to the residents of Quirindi and surrounding districts. They will also work as visiting medical officers with Quirindi Health Service, providing on-call emergency department cover for Quirindi Hospital.
Quirindi Health Service Manager Luke Sams said the appointment of the additional doctors was great news for Quirindi.
“This is a great enhancement to medical services for Quirindi residents and the entire Liverpool Plains,” Mr Sams said.
“The three new practitioners are all experienced doctors. Dr Wearne and Dr Harvey have worked extensively in rural communities throughout Australia and Dr Morrison has worked in metropolitan, regional and rural emergency departments.
“HealthOne Quirindi will foster a holistic approach, with the doctors and our Community Health and Allied Health staff working closely to deliver a collaborative health service for local residents.
“And there is the added convenience for patients who will be able to make appointments through one central reception point.
“We have already had positive feedback from patients who, under our transitional HealthOne arrangements, have been able to phone our current Community Health Centre and make an appointment for Dr Wong or one of the newest doctors, book an x-ray or make an appointment to see one of our Community and Allied Health team.”
Mr Sams said the arrival of the new GPs will also help alleviate the pressure on existing medical services.
“They will work in co-operation with Dr Sokiah Krishnan, who has provided high quality GP services to the local community for many years, and will continue to provide services from his surgery.”
The capacity to attract and retain GP services was one of the benefits of the new HealthOne facility, he said.
“HealthOne Quirindi provides a one-stop shop for primary health care services including GPs and community health and has been developed adjacent to Quirindi Hospital.”
HealthOne Quirindi is nearing completion and is expected to open next month. For now, the new doctors are working from the existing Community Health Centre and bookings can continue to be made on 6746 0215.
The new doctors were recruited by Medical Directions Australia (MDA) on behalf of Hunter New England Local Health Network and the local community.
Contact: Frances Holz
Phone: 4939 2216