For many in the South East the need to travel outside of the region for specialist treatment and consultation has been the norm. Each year there is an exodus of patients making their way up the Snowy, Kings and Princes Highway for appointments and treatments, and with each trip there is an emotional and financial drain.
But the tide is turning.
The most recent specialist to bring their services to the region is Dr Nick Hartnell, an orthopaedic surgeon who is based in Bowral in the Southern Highlands.
Dr Hartnell has recognised the impost that his South Coast patients undertake in making their visits to his Bowral clinic and has committed to consulting once a month at the Moruya Medical Centre, beginning in May, offering bulk billed consultations to local patients requiring orthopaedic care.
Bookings are now open for appointments by phoning 4861 6698.
With a spotlight now on health provision in the South East, the upskilling of hospital personnel to the proposed Level 4 facilities and the considerable spike in population (and as a result health needs) it is welcoming to learn that specialist like Dr Hartnell are committing to the area to reduce the travel burden of our residents in need.
Dr Nick Hartnell
