HUNTER New England Health has moved to ensure the Walcha community there will be no change to the level of service provided once the multipurpose service’s doctor retires at the end of June.
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Long-serving Walcha Multipurpose Service (MPS) doctor Adrian Allen will step down on June 30, but Hunter New England Health is yet to find a replacement with locum doctors set to provide a stop-gap for the service.
“I want to reassure the community that medical coverage will continue at Walcha Multipurpose Service after Dr Adrian Allen retires,” Walcha MPS health service manager Kris Smith said.
“Locum doctors will provide medical coverage at the MPS from 1 July 2017 until we are able to attract a new Visiting Medical Officer (VMO).
“There will be no change to the level of service and treatment provided to patients.”
Filling the position has proved to be a challenge, with advertising open for a number of months.
“With the support from Walcha Council and other key groups, we have been working hard to attract the right person to this position,” Mr Smith said.
“Advertising via a variety of platforms has been ongoing since we received Dr Allen’s resignation last year.
“These efforts will continue until the position is permanently filled.”
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