The Rochester Outreach Clinic has opened for residents who do not have a general practitioner, a need identified by the Murray Primary Health Network.
Supported by Murray PHN and Swan Hill District Health, the clinic means patients who have struggled to access a GP can now do so in town.
Patients can access the service Monday to Friday from 9am to 4.30pm, with locum doctors set to be at the clinic for the next three to four months.
In the long term, the team is hoping the clinic becomes a permanent site.
“The idea (is) to make it for a permanent doctor in the long run,” practice nurse Tash Abdah said.
“We’re trying to appeal to GPs, and if we can show that our books are full ... then we can get a permanent GP.”
Since opening just over a week ago, the service has been well received by the community.
“There’s a beautiful community here,” Swan Hill District Health project manager Ashleigh Graham said.
“They’re bringing us chocolates, cakes.
“I think they just appreciate the help. We’re here, and they don’t have to travel to Echuca or Bendigo.”
The clinic is mixed billing, offering bulk billing for children, seniors and concession cardholders.
Walk-ins are welcome, with patients asked to bring relevant medical records and their Medicare card.
“It’s best if they can get any health information, but it’s not necessary,” Ms Abdah said.
“Medicare, if they want to get the Medicare rebate.”
To book over the phone, call the clinic’s temporary number, 5032 8490, or book online via hotdoc.com.au/medical-centres/rochester-VIC-3561/rochester-outreach-clinic/doctors
General practitioners, nurses and allied health professionals can register their interest to work in the region through the Rural Workforce Agency Victoria rwav.com.au/register-for-interest and Connecting the Docs connectingthedocs.au
The Rochester Outreach Clinic is located at 14 Village Dve, Rochester.