With the appointment of Dr Justin Donaldson, Yackandandah Health will this month operate its Medical Centre five days a week.
Yackandandah Health CEO, Annette Nuck said Dr Donaldson, who trained in Scotland and most recently worked at Gateway Health in Wangaratta, gives the Centre a gender balance and shares Yackandandah Health’s philosophy.
“We are really pleased to be able to offer the community GP services across five days and that Dr Donaldson’s expertise complements that of our existing doctor, Tess Goodwin. The community has been patient while we looked for the perfect match and we thank them for their support of the Centre. Dr Donaldson has moved to the area with his young family and is looking to become part of the community. That is something we value,” Ms Nuck said.
Ms Nuck said Dr Donaldson will start work on Tuesday, 19 February and will initially work on Tuesdays and Fridays, with a view to increasing the number of days he is available.
“Patient numbers continue to grow and soon we hope to offer some early morning or early evening time slots too,” she said.
Dr Donaldson has extensive experience in chronic disease management including diabetes, ischaemic heart disease, hypertension, osteoarthritis, kidney disease, asthma, anxiety and depression.
Ms Nuck said the Medical Centre has also started a midwifery clinic with Louise Thornton, a registered nurse Division 1 with a diploma in midwifery, offering care and support to women of Yackandandah and surrounds.
“The clinic operates one day a fortnight, supporting women in early stages of pregnancy right through to providing post-natal care and ongoing support. This service is bulk-billed,” Ms Nuck said.
The Medical Centre recently received a national award of accreditation, demonstrating its commitment to quality and safety.
Ms Nuck said the Medical Centre received this recognition from Australian General Practice Accreditation Limited (AGPAL), the leading not-for-profit provider of general practice accreditation services within Australia.
“This is quite an achievement given we celebrated our first year of operation in September last year,” Ms Nuck said.