Two Gunnedah doctors, previously employed with the Rural Health Centre, have set up their own local practice.
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Northwest Health Gunnedah is set to open its doors next Tuesday and will be operated by Gunnedah GPs, Dr Ken Adams and Dr Chris Gittoes.
The two doctors have 16 years of combined medical service to the Gunnedah region, including GP, hospital ward and emergency work.
Both Dr Gittoes and Dr Adams were previously employed at the Rural Health Centre but left due to concerns with the business model.
“We would rather have our own business is our preferred approach, rather than being an employee under the business model that Gunnedah Rural Health adopted,” Dr Gittoes said.
“But we are looking forward to working with the centre.”
The practice will employ four office staff and three nurses with both GPs set to provide services to Gunnedah Hospital.
Located in the former Laverty Pathology building on the corner of Barber and Elgin streets, it will be open from 8am until 8pm, Monday to Friday.
“We want to be able to provide comprehensive, preventative care with continuity, where our patients can see the same doctors whenever they come in,” Dr Adams said.
The practice will have an association with the Northwest Health Tamworth Group, owned by former Rural Doctors Association of Australia President Dr Ian Kamerman.
Dr Kamerman is also a part owner in the new Gunnedah practice.
“We will be able to link into their systems for practice management assistance, affording the practice a great depth of medical resources and expertise,” Dr Gittoes said.
The doctors are also qualified GP Registar trainers, allowing them to be involved in training junior doctors.
“It’s extremely important,” Dr Adams said.
“I’m grateful my patients and I feel the responsibility to teach the next generation of doctors and expose the doctors in training to a wonderful rural town like Gunnedah to get them to consider maybe coming back and joining us.”
Both GPs completed their medical training in Australia.
Dr Gittoes, who was recently elected as the NSW Rural Doctors’ Association President, was drawn back to the Gunnedah region after spending his early life on the family farm at Maules Creek.
He encouraged Dr Adams to move to Gunnedah six years ago with his wife Debbie - a registered nurse/diabetic educator.
