The Hon Mark Coulton MP
Minister for Regional Health, Regional Communications and Local Government
Federal Member for Parkes
The Hon Kevin Anderson MP
State Member for Tamworth
MEDIA STATEMENT
GUNNEDAH MEDICAL SERVICES
Both Australian and NSW Governments are well aware of the challenges faced by Gunnedah locals in accessing the health services they need and are working together to address these challenges.
That’s why we came together last year to sign a deed of understanding that saw Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD) take on the management of the Gunnedah Rural Health Centre, which is currently being used for community health services.
Under this arrangement, the HNELHD is required to provide integrated health services to Gunnedah and the surrounding community.
We have had assurances HNELHD is committed to delivering GP services in the Centre and that HNELHD has proactively engaged in a recruitment drive to bring a permanent medical workforce to the clinic.
HNELHD went to the market to secure GP services at the Rural Health Centre with the focus squarely on attracting new doctors to practise in Gunnedah.
It is incumbent on HNELHD to ensure the immediate need for health professionals is addressed while this process continues.
HNELHD last week advertised a second expression of interest process focused on attracting GPs and other health professionals, including allied health, to co-locate in the Gunnedah Rural Health Centre and we encourage health professionals to respond to the EOI.
With expressions of interest once again open for health professionals to come to beautiful Gunnedah to pursue a rewarding career opportunity, we call on HNELHD to implement a temporary workforce solution ensuring Gunnedah locals can get the health support they need now while a longer-term, sustainable solution is found.
