UP to 16 new GPs from Ireland could be working in Bendigo within a year, in a move that could dramatically reduce the city’s doctor crisis. Kangaroo Flat’s Healthworks clinic, regional Victoria’s largest private medical centre, yesterday announced an aggressive campaign to bring GPs to Bendigo. Managing director Alan Hall said he had engaged consulting company Hallis Healthcare to recruit the doctors from Ireland. “They have a whole heap of doctors who are interested in coming,” he said. “We have ordered three immediately. Within the next 12 months we need 16. They have guaranteed the doctors to me and I believe what they are telling me. “We have chosen to recruit doctors who will have a commitment to our vibrant city.” The doctors’ qualifications will immediately be recognised in Australia, so there will be no training lag to delay starting work. Mr Hall said the plan had followed a discussion with Liberal Party candidate for the federal election Peter Kennedy. “We have taken this step because of some lateral thinking on the part of Peter Kennedy as a result of discussions we had with him,” he said. “This is one of the most exciting projects I have been involved with. The people of Bendigo should enjoy this and share in that same level of excitement.” The announcement corresponded with the launch of a multi-million dollar expansion of Healthworks. The extension to the High Street clinic includes a new imaging area, an expansion of the pharmacy and administration area, and an additional seven ground-floor suites to meet demand. “We have people knocking on our door every day wanting to see a doctor and we can’t service them,” he said. “We will expand the complex so Bendigo is well equipped in providing medical care to residents.” “Kangaroo Flat is a major growth area within the City of Greater Bendigo, while it is recognised Bendigo itself will shortly have a population in excess of 100,000.”
Sounds really good, but unfortunately no good to the actual people of Bendigo that really need it, as it is a private venture i don't see anything about bulk billing for our cities pensioners and disabled etc.
Once again typical funding for the rich...
Big John, get rid of the chip on your shoulder. More doctors WILL mean reduced waiting lists and that will help all people surely.
Comment #3
(Posted by Big John)
No chip on my shoulder Greg, doctors are needed in the public sector, thats where the problem is and we got no help from the federal gov. for years now it's an issue.
Enough said.
It takes something like 10 to 15 years to cause a shortage in any skill area - my maths are pretty good so that says Hawke and Keating caused the current doctor shortage. The Government of John Howard and Peter Costello is planning for ther future by investing in doctor training, including the Monash medical school right here in Bendigo which will go a olong way to helping the rural GP shortage. Add that to what the private sector is doing (like Healthworks Kangaroo Flat) and Bendigo's on the way to being the envy of other regions. No thanks to Labor though!
Comment #5
(Posted by Greg)
Thanks for spelling out the facts so well Al. Training of doctors is not like placing your order at McDonalds (no offence to you Cam)
Comment #6
(Posted by Big John)
Wake up listen & watch.
Under Howards dictatorship over 11 years he has failed big time to address major issues, doctor shortage is just one of his many failures & squandered billions on the pacific solution & compensation payouts with more claims still pending to be addressed, plus the millions spent on buying votes.
All this pupblic money would have fixed a lot of problems.
He has just sat back & failed to address major infrastructure, at election time all he does is blame states & anyone else that he can think of, except take responsibility, as some of you including himself seem to forget or should i say ignore that it is his job as PM to oversee, address & correct these major issues ASAP.
He & some of you are not interested in helping all Australia, other than your own self interests.
He has no idea what the PM's position is about he was to busy self indulging in his own interests.
Why don't you all be honest with yourself, stand up for what is right, best for the country & it's people.
Comment #7
(Posted by Al)
Big chip on the shoulder Big John. Coalition has been fixing the problems from Labor governments and is now working for the future with the right leadership
