mmg.com.au

The Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) is still working to secure more doctors for Deniliquin, according to director of operations Jill Ludford.

Deniliquin has eight GPs again with the recent return of Dr Ian Dumbrell, but may be left with just one obstetrician after May.

Last year Deniliquin had four obstetricians.

The town also suffered a chronic doctor shortage in recent months, with sometimes not enough doctors to cover the hospital roster.

‘‘Murrumbidgee Local Health District representatives travelled to Deniliquin recently to meet with the local medical staff and GP obstetricians,’’ Ms Ludford said.

‘‘MLHD representatives were delighted to meet Dr Ian Dumbrell, who has returned to Deniliquin and discussions were held about sustaining maternity services in the town.

‘‘The local health district has agreed to continue to support Deniliquin GPs by offering locums for on-call services in the emergency department until more doctors are recruited.

‘‘MLHD is planning on meeting Ochre Health in coming weeks to explore ways to attract more doctors to the town.

‘‘This meeting will emphasise the importance of recruiting GP obstetricians and anaesthetists.’’

Ochre Health will run the Deniliquin Medical Centre when it is completed in the second half of this year, and is expected to bring new doctors to town.

Deniliquin Mayor Brian Mitsch has previously proposed bringing the doctors in early and basing them out of the hospital until the centre is finished.