Sunraysia Medical Community Unites for Specialist Showcase

Pictured L-R: Dr Amal Fernando, Dr Adrian Chee and Dr Krishna Rachakonda

About 60 GPs and specialists from the Sunraysia medical community came together on Thursday night for an evening of collaboration and connection.

The Mildura Health Private Hospital (MHPH) organised and hosted the event as a way for specialists to showcase what they offer locally.

MHPH Director of Medical Services Associate Professor Fiona Wright said knowing which specialists operate out of the private hospital could often mean that GPs do not need to refer patients out of town.

“We wanted to create an opportunity for GPs and non-GP specialists to meet and learn about which specialists operate from the private hospital and to give GPs a chance to understand that there are options for patients in the Private for surgery and medical admission,” AP Wright explained.

About 15 specialists presented in their areas of expertise and all had a chance to meet with the 33 GPs in attendance.

“Many General Practitioners and other referrers may not be aware about the number and variety of specialists who work out of the private hospital, and specialists need an opportunity to promote themselves” AP Wright said.

“The evening is a way to show support for both our locally based and fly-in, fly-out specialists who play that crucial role in delivering care at the Private.”

MHPH Interim Chief Executive Officer Trevor Matheson said the event was an overwhelming success and something the hospital hoped to run again in the future.

“Often five to ten GPs is a good number to come along to an event, so to get 33 as we had, it was a fantastic turn out,” Mr Matheson said.

“It’s an event I think we will run reasonably regularly.  We really wanted to make the first one an event that sticks in GPs minds so when we do run another one, they won’t want to miss it– success builds success,” AP Wright added.

If you are a patient, please ask your GP about referrals to the Mildura Health Private Hospital.