PATIENTS of the closed GP clinic at Ouse will be able to attend the Bothwell Doctors’ surgery from next month. Bothwell Doctors have secured the services of additional GPs and will extend the opening hours at the Patrick St surgery to accept new patients from within the Central Highlands municipality.
The operator, Dr Mary Lumsden, said it was also her intention offer an outreach service from the Ouse Community Health Centre from early next year, with support from the Tasmanian Health Service. Dr Lumsden has also offered to work with other stakeholders on a longer-term solution.
Patients of the closed Central Highlands General Practice at Ouse will be able to be seen at Bothwell from October 10, but Bothwell Doctors asks that new patients do not call before October 4. Medical records held by Moreton Group Rural Health would be transferred to Bothwell Doctors unless individual patients opt-out by contacting Moreton Group by September 16.
The Federal Member for Lyons, Brian Mitchell MHR, thanked Dr Lumsden for expanding her service. “Dr Lumsden has agreed to engage more GPs at her Bothwell clinic, meaning she can add Ouse patients and other Central Highlands patients to the books,” Mr Mitchell said. “I would also like to thank Mayor Triffitt, who has been a tireless campaigner for the restoration of medical services to her community.”