WESTERN District Health Service (WDHS) has secured the services of a GP practice in Coleraine following the recent closure of the town’s only medical clinic.

WDHS chief executive, Rohan Fitzgerald, said WDHS has been in negotiations with a number of interested parties to provide GP services in Coleraine, since learning of the closure of the Casterton Coleraine Medical Centre in December.

“Since we received notification of Dr Brian Coulson’s retirement and the subsequent practice closure, we’ve been working behind the scenes to ensure the Coleraine community continues to have access to quality GP care - close to home,” he said.

“With the support of a medical practice from Mount Gambier, we have now secured a locum doctor in Coleraine, who will provide clinics five days a week from February 13.

“A permanent doctor is expected to arrive in late March.”

Mr Fitzgerald said he was pleased to have found a solution so quickly and thanked the community for their patience and support.

“We understand how challenging it has been for Coleraine locals who have had to travel to other towns for medical assistance and advice in recent weeks.

The short notice period around the closure of the community medical centre and the timing over the Christmas and New Year period made the prospect of finding a GP difficult.”

But there was a mixed reaction to the news from several locals who felt the uncertainty surrounding the clinic’s future could’ve been avoided.

Konongwootong partner, Jessica Sutherland, said it was “good news” but felt it was “a pity that WDHS didn’t come to this decision earlier and save our doctors, nurses, staff, and the community from two and a half years of anxiety”.

“Over many, many years Coleraine and district communities have benefited from an excellent, dedicated conscientious health service, provided by Dr Coulson, his associates, and staff,” she said.

“Western District Health Service has very big shoes to fill if they are going to match the service we as a community have become accustomed to.”

Coleraine District Development Association (CDDA) secretary, Fran Malone, agreed in general it was positive news and said she was “glad that there’s a doctor coming”, but questioned whether support from Mount Gambier was the right fit for Coleraine and had reservations about the future with WDHS.

“The problem is (Mr Fitzgerald) hasn’t told the community how this is going to work,” she said.

“Does that mean that if we have treatment, or if we need to have treatment, do we have to go to Mount Gambier (or) do we have to go to the Adelaide Hospital?”

Ms Malone also claimed the original plan of clinic handover to the incoming GP was “thwarted” and he had been asked to do “ridiculous hours of coverage for the hospital”.

“It was never, ever something that was in the agreement with the previous doctor,” she said.

“The new doctor walked away - he purchased the house here and everything and he walked away from the sale.

“We are in the Western District Health Service – we’re not in the Mount Gambier health service. That’s South Australia. That’s got nothing to do with us. You should never ever push us into South Australia.”

Southern Grampians Shire mayor, David Robertson, said he had a deep personal affinity for the long-standing medical services to Coleraine through his life in the local area and spoke of the “outstanding value that these people have given to our community”.

He added he was happy the clinic had secured a solution for the foreseeable future, but said it was important for doctors to become part of the fabric of a town.

“Coleraine’s been well serviced since about (19)81 or 82, I think,” he said.

“Before that, we had exceptionally good GPs there in Russ Wain, and his wife, Sheila … they were both doctors. We came to expect this magnificent service for the last 80 years.

“When we do attract someone permanently in our community, we’ve got to look after them (and) include them in our society.

“If they haven’t got accommodation, provide accommodation. They should be well remunerated and as I say, offer them the lifestyle.

“I think we can’t expect them to be on call seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Otherwise, it’ll scare them away.”

Former Southern Grampians Shire mayor (1998-2001) and CDDA member, Howard Templeton, said “this is something that’s been dragging on for nearly 18 months” and echoed the sentiments about community welcome.

“I believe the person who’s starting on Monday comes from Sydney,” he said.

“There’s a culture shock coming from Sydney to Coleraine, a very quiet and small community - we’ll need to make sure that we’ve got some people that make themselves known … to make them feel welcome.”

Mr Templeton said a town doctor was an essential component for the district.

“The community depends on a few things,” he said.

“If you haven’t got a bank, you’re in trouble and if you haven’t got a doctor you’re in trouble - people don’t want to live in those communities.

“This is a very good result for everyone.”

Mr Fitzgerald said WDHS had faced some obstacles in the search for a solution.

“Critical GP shortages across the state also proved a major hurdle, but we’ve remained solutions focussed and this has led to a positive outcome for the Coleraine community,” he said.

“Thank you to everyone who has worked with us to deliver these vital new services, and to the people of Coleraine and surrounds for their patience during this time.”

To support the community in the interim, WDHS has also established a community nurse program at Coleraine District Health Service.

A registered nurse is providing care and support similar to the role of the previous community practice nurse, including wound care and pathology.

The nurse is currently working at the Thomas Hodgetts Community Centre 12pm to 3pm every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Community members can ring 03 5553 2011 during business hours to book an appointment (in the event of an emergency please call 000).