Improving access to care - Cairns Private Hospital

Seeing a doctor late at night or on the weekends is not always easy in a regional area, but for Cairns residents that's about to change.

A new after hours general practice clinic will open at Cairns Private Hospital from early February.

Located on the first floor of the hospital, the clinic will
help to fill the gap in after-hours medical services throughout the region.

Lead general practitioner for the clinic, Dr Bharat Gadhvi, said
quality service was a top priority.

"People are willing to travel to see a doctor in the
evenings or at weekends if they know it is going to be a good quality service –
and that is what we will provide," he said.

Patients will have access to longer appointments of at least
30 minutes if needed, with minimal wait times.

The aim of the clinic is to supplement the services of the patient's regular general practitioner (GP) and all consultation notes and test results will be sent directly to a nominated doctor.

It will be staffed by nine local GPs who are already working in the area.

"They have all worked in Cairns for a while; they are all
well-known, well respected and they know the specialists and the referral
pathways which will benefit patients," Dr Gadhvi said.

GPs at the new clinic will provide regular consultations, along with minor surgical procedures.

They will also have access to pathology, radiology and
pharmacy services and can arrange for patients to be admitted immediately to
Cairns Private Hospital if required.

Cairns Private Hospital CEO, Ben Tooth, said the clinic and
the hospital would be working side by side.

"Should patients need to be admitted to hospital on their
visit, the process will be seamless with our team of dedicated local GPS
working together with – and fully supported by – our experienced cardiologists
and physicians," he said.

The clinic will be open Monday to Friday from 6pm to 10pm
and on weekends from 1pm to 7pm. Patients can phone for an appointment from
noon each day.

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