The Macksville Medical Centre welcomes new doctors to the Nambucca Valley

The Macksville Medical Centre is delighted to be announce additional doctors have joined the practice. This will help to alleviate the shortfall of doctors in the Nambucca Valley.

Australia is currently struggling with a large shortage of GPs. According to the Department of Health, Australia is approximately 2,400 full-time equivalent GPs short of what it needs. That gap is estimated to grow to 8,900 by 2048, and is likely to disproportionately impact rural, regional and remote areas. The Nambucca Valley has felt this decline in recent years, often forcing residents to travel to Coffs Harbour and Kempsey for medical appointments.

“Demand for GP services across the NSW Mid North Coast continues to grow. Having new GPs starting will greatly improves access to local medical care in the Nambucca Valley by helping people to get the care they need, when they need it,” said Luke Elias, Director, Primary Health Programs and Partnerships, Healthy North Coast.

“Attracting general practitioners to rural communities is a significant challenge,” said Casey Shorter, Practice Manager at Macksville Medical Centre. “Undoubtedly having new permanent GPs for our community will have an enormous impact.”

The doctors

The Macksville Medical Centre is welcoming Doctor Muhammad Rafiq Azam, who commenced in May, and Doctor Ricki Kimbell, who started this week. Together they bring over fifty years of combined general practice experience to the area. They are enhancing the centre’s already highly sought-after GP services, provided by Doctor Omotayo Lawal and Doctor Sangita Khobragade.

“The practice is accepting new patients with appointments available,” Casey Shorter confirmed. “As expected, the response has been overwhelming with appointments are filling fast.”

The Macksville Medical Centre offers a full range of general practice services with immunisations, health checks, pregnancy care, skin cancer screening and minor procedures.

Macksville Medical Centre opens 9 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday. New patients and families are welcome.

More services available

Other services offered at the centre, include Amplifon Audiology, Nambucca Podiatry, Psychology and a free legal advocacy outreach service provided fortnightly by Mid North Coast Legal Centre.

To find out more

Visit their website, book an appointment or call 02 6568 1155 and talk to the friendly team.