Swan Hill District Health project manager Ashleigh Graham, Jackie Plunkett, general practitioner Dr Ellie Bowdich and Swan Hill District Health executive director of medical services Dr Rex Prabhu at the new clinic. Photo: Supplied.
The Rochester Outreach Clinic has opened for residents who do not have a general practitioner, a need identified by the Murray Primary Health Network.
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Supported by Murray PHN and Swan Hill District Health, the clinic means patients who have struggled to access a GP can now do so in town.
Patients can access the service Monday to Friday from 9am to 4.30pm, with locum doctors set to be at the clinic for the next three to four months.
In the long term, the team is hoping the clinic becomes a permanent site.
“The idea (is) to make it for a permanent doctor in the long run,” practice nurse Tash Abdah said.
“We’re trying to appeal to GPs, and if we can show that our books are full ... then we can get a permanent GP.”
Rochester Outreach Clinic practice nurse Tash Abdah and receptionist Mary Ann Nabor. Photo: Emily Donohoe
Photo by
Emily Donohoe
Since opening just over a week ago, the service has been well received by the community.
“There’s a beautiful community here,” Swan Hill District Health project manager Ashleigh Graham said.
“They’re bringing us chocolates, cakes.
“I think they just appreciate the help. We’re here, and they don’t have to travel to Echuca or Bendigo.”
The clinic is mixed billing, offering bulk billing for children, seniors and concession cardholders.
Walk-ins are welcome, with patients asked to bring relevant medical records and their Medicare card.
“It’s best if they can get any health information, but it’s not necessary,” Ms Abdah said.
“Medicare, if they want to get the Medicare rebate.”
General practitioners, nurses and allied health professionals can register their interest to work in the region through the Rural Workforce Agency Victoria rwav.com.au/register-for-interest and Connecting the Docs connectingthedocs.au
The Rochester Outreach Clinic is located at 14 Village Dve, Rochester.
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