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.”