Plans in place to ensure access to care at Bulahdelah

Wednesday 28 September 2011

Hunter New England Health has put measures in place to ensure the community of Bulahdelah has access to medical services following the unexpected leave of the local GP.

Director of Operations – Primary and Community Networks Scott McLachlan said some short-term changes to operational hours at Bulahdelah Hospital will occur during this period.

“Community members continue to receive treatment at the hospital by nurses between the hours of 7am to 9.30pm for non-urgent care,” Mr McLachlan said.

“In addition to temporary medical services being provided by doctors from Manning Hospital, we have arranged for a Nabiac General Practitioner to provide a clinic at the hospital this Saturday between 9am and 6pm for community members needing GP care.”

Staff at Bulahdelah Hospital care for an average of six inpatients and treat about 10 people on average in the emergency department each day.

Hunter New England Health is proposing to temporarily suspend overnight services and redeploy staff to Manning Hospital until the local GP returns and full medical services resume.

“The vast majority of people coming to the emergency department are seeking non-urgent care and arrive during the day time and early evening,” Mr McLachlan said.

“Without the presence of a medical officer in town, it has not been possible for patients to stay overnight at Bulahdelah Hospital and patients requiring admission are being transferred to alternate hospitals for further treatment.

“While patients are not currently being admitted, nurses working overnight will be temporarily redeployed to Manning Hospital where their skills and expertise can be fully utilised,” Mr McLachlan said.

Hunter New England Health has arranged transportation for the nurses while they work their shifts in Taree.

“We can assure the community we will work together to provide the best possible care while the town’s GP is on leave and will take all necessary steps to support our staff during this period.

“These are temporary arrangements and services are expected to return to normal when the GP returns from leave.”

Contact: Communication Unit

Phone: 02 4985 5522