Tuesday, August 4th, 2009
Kimberley still waiting to hear about third child-health doctor
by Geoff Vivian
Dr Fitzpatrick
The government sent a top child health specialist to the Kimberley yesterday after one doctor threatened to resign.
It could be two months before we know if there will still be three paediatricians servicing the Kimberley.
Dr Gervase Chaney, who is Princess Margaret Hospital’s director of clinical planning, met doctors & nurses, Aboriginal health workers and other interested people in Derby.
This came after one of our region’s three paediatricians said he would seriously consider leaving his job if the third position was not continued.
Dr James Fitzpatrick said he and his family would be put under too much stress by the extra workload, and preventative health programs would have to be shelved.
Dr Fitzpatrick said he was happy with the way Doctor Cheney is carrying out the review of child health services.
“Dr Cheney is very impressive and well respected in paediatric circles, both in Australia and overseas,” he said.
He said Dr Cheney, who has held consultations in remote areas before, interviewed a broad range of interested people yesterday including Aboriginal health workers and a women’s organisation.
“I think it was well done and done by the right person,” said Dr Fitzpatrick.
Besides the Derby meetings, Dr Fitzpatrick said Dr Cheney also spoke to people throughout the Kimberley using video and telephone conferencing facilities.
He said Dr Cheney’s recommendations would be processed by the “Regional Health Forum,” a group that includes doctors, Aboriginal Medical service and government representatives.
“The forums are put together to allow local representation for the priorities of health care in the Kimberley,” he said.
Dr Fitzpatrick said he expected a decision to be made about the third paediatrician’s position within two months.
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