WALCHA is calling out for a new doctor to take the reins at the town’s hospital, with Dr Adrian Allen stepping down from the post in June.
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Hunter New England Health (HNEH) has begun the search for a replacement following meeting with Walcha Shire Council last week, where the parties looked to nut out a long term solution for the small town’s health needs.
Executive director rural and regional health services, Susan Heyman said Dr Allen advised he would resign from his visiting medical officer position with the Walcha Multipurpose Service (MPS) at the end of June 2017, after about 30 years in the job.
“Dr Allen has worked extremely hard in Walcha for almost 30 years and his practice has been central to the provision of health services to the community,” Ms Heyman said.
“He has worked hand in hand with the health services and has made a significant contribution to the Walcha MPS and the health of the Walcha community. His services will be missed.”
Dr Allen will continue working in Walcha in private practice.
Hunter New England Health, with the support of Dr Allen and the Walcha Council have begun the process to recruit an appropriately skilled Visiting Medical Officer to work at the MPS.
Recruitment will remain ongoing until a suitable applicant is found.
HNEH is also working with Walcha Council and Dr Allen to assist with their endeavours to attract another GP to the community.
“As a community, we feel Walcha has much to offer a new doctor, including a vibrant town with access to great school education, university and major centres within easy reach,” Mayor Eric Noakes said.
“Walchs Council sees the provision of health services as a core priority and offer any assistance we can to Dr Allen and HNEH to facilitate the quickest possible resolution for the recruitment.”
Cr Noakes the new doctor would be able to commit to the region for the long-term and said constant “turnover would create a problem”.