BALRANALD’S only medical clinic has closed down, leaving the community without a general practitioner.
Balranald Medical Centre ceased practice on Friday May 31 after attempts to sell the clinic were unsuccessful.
Dr Slava Zotov, who had been stationed at Balranald Medical Centre for the past 21 years, left for Melbourne the next day.
Patients will now have to seek a new GP, with the nearest clinic being more than 30 minutes away in Tooleybuc.
Nurse at Maari Ma Health Balranald Helen Murphy thanked Dr Zotov for his efforts in Balranald over the past 21 years.
“I personally would like to thank him for his contribution to his practice, our hospital, the hostel and the entire community,” Ms Murphy said.
“It really has been an epic journey.”
However, Ms Murphy said she was also worried about how this would affect older residents in town.
“As a nurse in the town, this issue is a massive worry, especially for the older generation who do not have the capability, and some the capacity, to use telehealth options,” she said.
“And transport out of town to other GPs is a major issue as well.”
Patients were advised to obtain a copy of their medical files from the clinic or request a printed health summary before Friday afternoon.
Dr Zotov and the medical clinic were contacted for comment by The Guardian.
