A Culcairn medical practice says there are "short-term challenges" ahead as it searches for a replacement doctor.
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Sarkon Medical Centre director Niranjan Sarjapuram said his clinic was liaising with Murrumbidgee Local Health District and Greater Hume Council to work out arrangements after Dr Jan Reddy's retirement, due on December 31.
Dr Sarjapuram said this task would take time but the centre wanted to minimise the impact on the community.
"We are in the process of getting a locum doctor ... to fill in that position," he said yesterday.
"We do understand there's short-term challenges we need to face, we're very confident we can get through this difficult time."
In a letter to patients, the clinic thanked Dr Reddy and said it would remain open as normal during this transition period, providing a combination of face-to-face and telehealth consultations.
"In the interim we will also continue to provide services to the aged care facility in Culcairn," the letter said.
IN OTHER NEWS:
On Wednesday Greater Hume councillors will be asked to consider buying a house to be used as a doctor's rental property.
A report for the council meeting recommends talks continue about such a move, which arose from Dr Sarjapuram asking if Greater Hume had any suitable residential accommodation for a medical practitioner.
"This is an initiative that council may consider (similar to Henty and Holbrook) provided any lease is on a commercial basis," general manager Steven Pinnuck said in the report.
"Whilst the provision of General Practice services is not a core activity of council, GP services are an essential ingredient of vibrant rural communities."
Mr Pinnuck said discussions had confirmed Murrumbidgee and the medical centre were investigating options to provide Visiting Medical Officer services to the Culcairn hospital.
"It would appear that there is good intent from both MLHD and Sarkon Medical to ensure the continuation of satisfactory medical services within the Culcairn community," he said.
Murrumbidgee director, clinical operations Cherie Puckett, also thanked Dr Reddy and wished him well for his retirement as Visiting Medical Officer at Culcairn after more than 40 years.
"Attracting medical practitioners to rural and regional areas is a challenge Australia-wide," she said.
"However, Murrumbidgee Local Health District aims to have all hospitals in the region staffed by registered nurses with a doctor available.
"The remote medical consultation service is available to assess and treat patients for times when there is no doctor available on site."
