Boost for medical practice

From left: RN Ella Talbott, RN Jenni Dent, Dr Owen Greene, Dr Karen Douglas, Business Manager Claire Ford, Dr Andrew Conroy and Member for Robertson Gordon Reid

Terrigal and Avoca Beach Medical Centres have received $35,000 and $25,000 respectively from the Federal Labor Government’s Strengthening Medicare General Practice Grants Program.

Combined, Coastal Family Medicine, which trades as Terrigal Medical Centre and Avoca Beach Medical Centre, received $60,000.

Dr Karen Douglas said the money had been well used.

“The (funding) has enabled us to further enhance our patient care,” Douglas said.

“It has ensured reaccreditation for both practices and (allowed us to) build a new consulting room at our Terrigal location, enhance our facilities for infection control and upgrade essential equipment.

“These changes that we have been able to make through the availability of the funding have enabled the practice to take on an additional GP and ensure we continue to provide the highest standard of care to all of our existing and new patients.

“The funding has enabled the practice to continue to grow and enhance our services; it has been invaluable to both sites.”

Federal Member for Robertson Gordon Reid said the Government’s support for primary care was helping improve patient access in the region.

“The Federal Labor Government is working hard every day to strengthen healthcare on the Central Coast, especially primary care,” he said.

“I am pleased to see our support has already enabled much-needed upgrades to Terrigal Medical Centre and Avoca Beach Medical Centre, as well as (paid) for the purchase of essential medical equipment.

“My appreciation and thanks go to the medical staff at both practices who work hard to ensure outstanding patient care.”