Wednesday, March 31st, 2010
Third child-health doctor’s job saved
by Geoff Vivian
Dr Fitzpatrick
The Kimberley now has three permanent child-health specialists, following a review of health services in the region.
The review was announced after the third paediatrician, whose job was not permanent, did not have his contact renewed and one of the other paediatricians threatened to resign in protest.
Dr James Fitzpatrick, who is based in Derby, had 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.
He said he was now happy with result.
“A great outcome, with nobody sacked and no relationships damaged,” he said.
“This new paediatrician will mean additional specialist support is available for children with serious health needs,” said health minister Kim Hames.
Kim Hames
“Children in this region already receive regular health checks up to school entry age and have one of the highest immunisation rates in children under the age of four in the State.”
Minister Hames also announced a second permant position for a Kimberley-based physician.
“The physician would also have a primary role in treating patients in most urgent need of care at the Broome Hospital, while supporting health practitioners remotely,” he said.
For earlier stories click here and here.
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