THE Casterton Coleraine Medical Centre has announced it will be ceasing visiting medical services to both the Coleraine Health Service and Casterton Memorial Hospital (CMH) within three months.

CMH chief executive, Owen Stephens, said the organisation was incredibly grateful for the dedicated service of Dr Brian Coulson and his team to CMH over many decades.

“Dr Coulson leaves a great legacy to the local area,” he said.

The Western District Health Service (WDHS) and CMH will be working collaboratively to put in place strategies to ensure the continuation of medical services at the WDHS Coleraine Campus and Casterton Hospital.

“We will also be working with our partners, including the Primary Health Network, community and residential aged care providers, to secure medical services for these communities into the future.”

WDHS chief executive, Rohan Fitzgerald, said regional communities throughout Australia had found it difficult to recruit medical practitioners over the past 10 years.

“While we recognise the challenges that lie ahead, we will do everything possible to ensure we retain medical services for vulnerable people living in residential aged care, or hospital facilities in Coleraine and Casterton,” he said.

“Dr Coulson has provided a tremendous service and taken on an immense workload as a General Practitioner.

“We would like to extend our appreciation to him for his significant contribution to health services in the region - for the sacrifices he has made and for the care, support and comfort he has provided to so many.

“As we try to find a solution to the complex problem of GP shortages facing many rural communities across Australia, we will continue to provide the community with updates on our progress.”

Harrow Bush Nursing Centre manager, Ann Vaughan, said they would miss the “valued partnership” of Dr Coulson’s services to their community.

“Dr Coulson has been integral in providing essential health services to our community members and supporting our service with advice and guidance,” she said.

Balmoral Bush Nursing Centre (BBNC) president, Neville Trotman, also said rural facilities were working hard to overcome medical service shortfalls.

“The Balmoral Bush Nursing Centre has recently been involved in a stakeholder meeting amongst other local Health Services to discuss a collaborative approach to the significant GP shortages in the region,” he said.

“BBNC greatly values the services of Coleraine Casterton Medical over many years and in particular the long-standing contribution made by Dr Brian Coulson. We will work with them towards continuity of a GP service going forward.”

The Spectator reported last October the Centre was believed to be in danger of closing and with a possible buyer lined up but falling through recently, the issue of visiting medical services in the region has become critical.