Late GP clinic to open
A NEW private service will enter the Far North’s afterhours GP market, offering minimal wait times and the option of longer appointments.
Cairns Private Hospital will launch the clinic on Monday, based on the first floor of the Upward St building. The service is not bulkbilled by Medicare and patients need to pay an outofpocket fee of $95.
Lead general practitioner Dr Bharat Gadhvi said there was demand for a high quality after-hours service in the Far North.
“People are willing to travel to see a doctor in the evening or at weekends if they know it is going to be a good quality service – and that is what we will provide,” Dr Gadhvi said.
It will be staffed by nine local GPs who are already working in the area.
“They are all well-known, well respected and they know the specialists and the referral pathways which will benefit patients,” he said.
Patients will have access to longer appointments of at least 30 minutes if needed, with minimal wait times. The clinic is not replacing regular GP clinics but is regarded as a supplement, with consultation notes and test results sent to a nominated doctor.
Other after-hours care is provided by Cairns 24-Hour Medical Centre and visiting services House Call Doctor and Dial-A-Doctor.
Cairns Private Hospital CEO Ben Tooth said the new service would be linked to the hospital.
“Should patients need to be admitted to hospital on their visit, the process will be seamless,” Mr Tooth said.
“Our team of dedicated local GPs will work together with – and be fully supported by – our experienced cardiologists and physicians.”
Clinic doctors will be able to provide regular consultations along with minor surgical procedures and have access to pathology, radiology and pharmacy services.
They can also arrange for patients to be admitted immediately to Cairns Private Hospital if required.
The $95 fee will be waived if a patient does get admitted as a result from the consultation – with patients only required to pay any excesses. Appointments can be made from noon each day, with the clinic open from 6-10pm Monday to Friday and 1-7pm on weekends. Contact the clinic on 4052 5305.