A DOCTOR refused permission to start up a new practice in Swan Hill will instead leave the region to open his business.
The leading medical practitioner has an established list of patients in the region, including many elderly.
An application from Emerald Night Pty Ltd to set up a medical practice on Splatt Street was rejected by Swan Hill Rural City Council in September, after more than 100 letters opposing the development were received.
The application was to convert the residence into a single-doctor service to cater for about 30 patients per day, with hours of operation between 8am and 6pm on weekdays and 9am to 12pm on Saturdays. The doctor is now relocating to Mildura, where he has been able to establish a practice.
Now faced with the loss of their doctor, a groundswell of support from local patients has emerged, with his large client base expressing disappointment at the lack of support for the medical practice development.
Joe Hanrahan said the loss was a big blow for the town.
“I really can’t understand why the Swan Hill council would want to block someone who wants to start a new medical centre in Swan Hill,” Mr Hanrahan said.
“Mildura has welcomed him with open arms — we have lost a great doctor. Swan Hill is supposed to be a city, but we have got country town councillors.
“All he wanted to do is support more people.”
Meanwhile, local Janet Field has taken her concerns to the next level, sending a letter to councillors outlining concerns at losing her doctor of 12 years.
“It’s clearly too late to review this astoundingly unintelligent, short-term and ill-judged decision,” she wrote.
“This town has now lost a doctor to whom many of us owe our good health and wellbeing.
“He is skilled, compassionate and dedicated. What kind of a decision is it that drives such a professional out of town.
“We now have less choice and community health is the poorer.”
For the full story, pick up a copy of Monday’s Guardian (May 19).
