Mackellar Rural Health Centre has welcomed a new doctor to its ranks.
Patrick Carter spent his first day at the practice on Monday after moving to Gunnedah on the weekend.
Dr Carter has been a GP for more than three years and has come from a practice in Kempsey where he was booked six weeks in advance.
The GP is originally from Sydney but has moved from Crescent Head where he and his partner and their two children had a hobby farm.
“I’m happy to be here,” he said.
“I’m excited to make a new start in town. I’m keen to make a good go of it and I’m keen to explore the area too.
“Everyone’s been really supportive and really welcoming.”
Dr Carter is the second GP to sign on at the clinic in 2018, with Dr Mike Hodges starting in February.
The centre’s chief medical officer Dr Martin Jodlowski-Tan said it was good to have another doctor on board. A new nurse also started a few weeks ago.
“We are starting to get the numbers together, slowly but surely,” Dr Jodlowski-Tan said.
“I’m in good spirits. I think it’s leading in the right direction.”
The doctor said a permanent part-time locum would be starting from next week and it is hoped two registrars will start in September.
“As I see it, this [centre] is for the community,” he said.
Mackellar Care Services opened the centre in December 2017 after purchasing Gunnedah Rural Health Centre in November and rebranding it. Gunnedah Rural Health Centre closed on July 12.
