New doctor welcomed, but gaps remain

He replaces Dr Gordon Chin, who has moved on to progress his career in other areas.

Arriving six months after the appointment of Dr Attique Zafar, Dr Carey’s arrival keeps the number of doctors available at the health centre steady at five.

Practice manager Tracey Savage has said, however, that recruitment continues to try and build numbers at the facility.

“At the moment there are five doctors, five permanent doctors,” she said.

“In early August, Dr Ian Carey arrived. He’s a permanent local.”

“Dr Carey has settled in, and he loves Deniliquin.

“He was previously a locum emergency department doctor in Broken Hill, and has replaced Dr Gordon Chin.

“Ochre Medical Centre actively recruits constantly, searching and recruiting every day.

“But unfortunately there are a lot of places that need doctors, and not a lot of doctors.”

Mrs Savage said to aid with recruitment, doctors who come to Deniliquin for Ochre Health receive incentives.

She said Edward River Council’s incentive packages for health professionals - doctors and nurses - adds to the benefits.

“Since Ochre Health Deniliquin Medical Centre was opened in 2012 there has been an incentive package of a certain amount of money,” she siad.

“The council also has a grant offer for new doctors.”

Council’s incentive package is a one-off allowance of up to $10,000, subject to the available budget, to assist with relocation expenses and accommodation assistance.

The offer stipulates that the recipient must practice in the Edward River LGA for at least two years, or the allowance must be repaid on a pro rata basis.

Mrs Savage said with Dr Carey filling a doctor vacancy and not increasing the workforce at Ochre Health, the medical centre is still restricted in taking on new patients.

Those needing a GP appointment are still encouraged to call.

“The books aren’t open permanently, but anyone in need of an appointment is triaged by myself.

“From there, we can determine who needs to be assessed further.”

With Deniliquin’s doctor shortage ongoing for at least a decade or more, efforts to make access to care at home easier has been ongoing.

This led Deniliquin Local Health Advisory Committee to help secure a pilot program for the Health Direct GP After Hours service, which has since been extended.

The service is available week nights from 6pm to 10pm and weekends and public holidays from noon to 4pm.

There are no out of pocket expenses and the service can be reached on 1800 272 767.

For more information, visit mphn.org.au/health-access.