Short term medical coverage for Bulahdelah Hospital

14 September 2011

Hunter New England Health is pleased to announce a number of doctors from Manning Hospital in Taree will work together to provide some temporary medical services at Bulahdelah Hospital.

The local General Practitioner (GP) who also provides on-call medical services to the hospital’s emergency department has taken some leave.

Director of Primary and Community Networks Mr Scott McLachlan said three doctors from Manning Hospital will visit Bulahdelah Hospital once a week.

“These doctors will be able to see vulnerable or high risk patients who need non-urgent, follow up medical care.

“One of the doctors will also come once a week to review patients at the local aged care facility.”

Mr McLachlan said HNE Health had been in contact with the Rural Division of General Practice, which is investigating the option of finding a locum doctor to provide temporary coverage at the local GP practice.

“We’ve also had discussions today with a GP from Nabiac who has expressed interest in helping to provide services in Bulahdelah.

“While we’re still working through the details, this is promising news,” Mr McLachlan said.

Bulahdelah Hospital nurses remain at the hospital to assess and triage those who present needing care.

“As would usually be the case, anyone with a serious illness or in need of a higher level of care will be transferred to another hospital,” Mr McLachlan said.

“To assist, we ask that community members in need of emergency or urgent care directly attend one of the surrounding hospitals if they can.”

Contact: Janelle Kelly

Phone: 4939 2602