THE Northwest Family Medical has made moves to lease the Gunnedah Rural Health Centre (GRHC).
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At tonight’s Gunnedah Shire Council’s ordinary meeting, councillors unanimously voted to consider the provision of a letter in support of the proposal by Northwest Family Medical to lease the $6.2 million clinic.
The administrator has since been committed to re-opening the centre, which first opened its doors in 2012 under funding from the state and federal governments and mining companies.
Northwest Family Medical’s Dr Ken Adams made a presentation to tonight’s council meeting, outlining reasons for the request to take over the lease of the GRHC.
The meeting heard that Dr Adams had practiced in the Gunnedah community since 2009, and one of the main reasons for wanting to take over the lease was to ensure continuity between practicing doctors.
Dr Adams said he and colleague Dr Chris Gittoes had poured a significant amount of money into the proposal, but would not disclose the amount in public session, instead stating “we put a sizeable amount on the table”.
The proposal itself was listed as confidential.
Dr Adams confirmed if the proposal was accepted, doctors would continue to work in emergency.
The meeting heard there were at least two other parties interested in the clinic, but Dr Adams said his proposal provided continuity of long-standing Gunnedah doctors, instead of visiting locums.
GSC general manager Erin Groth, Cr Gae Swain and Cr Rob Hooke all declared interests and left the chamber.
Cr Anne Luke moved the motion that GSC writes a generic letter in support of the proposal by Northwest Medical to lease the Rural Health Centre.
“They live here, they have attachments here, and there’s shown evidence they have a sustainable business,” Cr Luke told the meeting.
“We’ve been asked for a letter of support for a Gunnedah business for its aspirations.
“On that basis alone, we should make our decision based on just that, the community premise and the fact these are local business people who live in Gunnedah and want a letter of support.”
Cr Colleen Fuller was wary of excluding any other doctors coming to town.
“At the end of the day, it will not be our decision,” she said.
“It will be the administrator's decision.”
The motion was carried.
Council also resolved to consider the provision of support for the GRHC by the administrator “at such time a request is made”.
