Centre to cater for more medicos

JULY 8, 2015: A plan to create an expanded medical facility in Mackay’s city centre will provide space for teaching medical students and GPs.I congratulate One Stop Medical Centre’s owner Dr Rachel Bidgood, who has been successful in her application for a Rural and Regional Teaching Infrastructure Grant (RRTIG).This $300,000 of Federal Government funding will ultimately provide better health outcomes for the people of Mackay.Dr Bidgood plans an extension consisting of five consultation rooms, a training room, library, treatment room and two rooms for visiting specialists.Dr Bidgood said she had a particular focus on a holistic approach to health care."This government grant will allow up to expand One Stop Medical in the Dome to provide extra space for GPs and allied health to work together in a team environment and provide an ideal centre for teaching medical students and GPs,” Dr Bidgood said.“I'm really excited about the opportunity for One Stop Medical to become a teaching centre of excellence and to be able to provide more holistic preventative health care for the Mackay community.“We also plan to have improved access for young people to discuss health issues.  Quality training of our medical students and young doctors is really important for the future provision of health care for the Mackay community.”The aim of the RRTIGs is to upgrade and/or extend the premises of existing general practices, in rural or regional locations. This will allow for increased clinical placements in primary health care services and improved distribution of our health workforce. PHOTO CAPTION: Federal Member for Dawson George Christensen congratulates One Stop Medical Centre owner Dr Rachel Bidgood and some of her team, from left, Drs Joseph Rillera, Nisha Manoheran and Aaron Kennedy, on a $300,000 grant to expand their facility.