The clinic also confirmed that no current doctors are leaving which is welcome news for local residents.
Starting in January will be Dr. Hamid Firozeeh and Dr. Sepideh Khatibi. In February, Dr. Daniel Mealey, Dr. Genevieve Aisbett and Dr. Harshini Srinivasan will take up duty. Dr. Zhale Ravan and Dr. Sanaz Ghafourzadehyazdi will commence duty in March.
“We are also excited to share that we have successfully recruited Dr. Poonam Anala as a locum doctor, who will be with us until the end of February,” Red Gum Medical Clinic General Manager Kristen Mann told The Free Press last Friday.
“With this team, we will have plenty of doctors available to serve the residents of Corowa, Howlong, and Rutherglen.”
Ms Mann said patients wishing to transfer their medical records to Redgum Medical Group to visit any of its practices and speak with the reception team.
“They will guide you through the process, including completing a transfer form, and our staff will handle the rest for you,” she said.
“We bulk-bill patients with a pension or health care card or are aged under 16 years old the majority of the time.
“We look forward to continuing to provide quality care to our community.”
Meanwhile, a petition containing 863 signatures was handed to Federal Member for Farrer, Deputy Opposition Leader Susan Ley on Wednesday, December 4 regarding the closure of Corowa Mediclinic with its highly respected and popular Dr. Neeta Shokeen. The clinic was the only fully bulk-billing general practice. Its closure caused shockwaves in the community.
The petition seeks a reversal to the decision to close Corowa Mediclinic. A letter accompanied the petition as detailed in The Free Press of December 11.
The community is calling for a review of bulk-billing reimbursement models and practical measures to attract and retain healthcare professionals in rural areas. The letter, signed by Mediclinic patient Sonia Kawalski, Chair of Local Health Advisory Committee Anne Westcott and the Executive officer of Regional Business Chamber and member o the Local Health Advisory Committee John Crothers reflects the community’s determination to preserve accessible and equitable health care in Corowa.
“Ms Ley will present the petition to Federal Parliament in the first week of February 2025 and will speak to the Federal Minister of Health and Aged Care Mark Butler beforehand,” Ms Westcott said last Friday.
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