Double dose of doctors take reins at GP practice

CARDWELL will receive a double dose of medicine with the arrival of two new general practitioners next month.

The seaside town’s only live- in GP, Dr Gawie Roux, announced in May he was hanging up his stethoscope after 15 years and moving to Toowoomba to be closer to family.

But not before Dr Roux took the unusual step of launching his own online recruitment campaign, which helped lure Townsville husband and wife team Dr Victor and Dr Carmelina Mamawal to take over his Cardwell Family Practice.

Dr Victor Mamawal and his wife – both originally from the Philippines – have been prac- tising at the Bluewater Medical Practice in Townsville since 2008. “We have just been granted Australian citizenship, and this is the best way we can repay you for welcoming us as one of your own,” Dr Victor said. “( We) would love to live and work in beautiful Cardwell and continue with an excellent service for the whole region.”

Dr Carmelina has a special interest in women’s health, aged care and indigenous health, and plans to expand the scope of Cardwell clinic.

Dr Roux said it was a great win for Cardwell, considering the Government’s decision to decentralise medical services for the benefit of rural and regional communities.

“I will be able to have a sound sleep at night knowing that Cardwell’s patients are in safe, caring and experienced hands,” Dr Roux said.

“I want to thank the ( media) and the Medicare Locals for their successful campaigns to find successors for this 40year- old medical service on the Cassowary Coast.”