Gp Lack A Case For Concern

Newcastle Herald

Friday November 18, 2005

By FRANCES THOMPSON Upper Hunter Reporter

ABERDEEN residents campaigning for medical services in the Upper Hunter town say a shortage of housing and public transport are important factors limiting people's access to medical services.

Aberdeen Progress Association and Chamber of Commerce secretary Lynne Walters said the group expected to meet its most promising general practitioner candidate tomorrow.

The doctor is already practising in a rural area.

Mrs Walters said the search for a replacement general practitioner had highlighted a shortage of housing and suitable commercial premises in the town.

She said the group was seeking support from all levels of government, and companies operating in the area, to provide adequate premises for a medical centre in Aberdeen.

"We are our own town and we want to offer an autonomous lifestyle," Mrs Walters said.

Talks with federal member for Gwydir and former deputy prime minister John Anderson will be held on Thursday.

Upper Hunter Shire Mayor Barry Rose said the council was helping the group identify opportunities for government funding in regional areas and had tried to negotiate community transport.

Mrs Walters said residents could travel the short distance to Scone for treatment but there were long waiting periods.

Scone Medical Practice manager Ross Higham said patients had to wait about a month for an appointment, but that a doctor was able to see urgent cases.

The practice had three fewer doctors than it should have and the medical centre was recruiting, he said.

It has found two doctors to fill vacancies. One will start in January and the other later in the first half of 2006.

© 2005 Newcastle Herald

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