After Hours Clinic the place to go when your GP is closed

For access to a GP when your general practice is closed, Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) is encouraging people to make an appointment at the Wagga GP After Hours Service (WGPAHS).

The clinic, located at 1/185 Morgan Street, should be the first option considered by people requiring non-life-threatening medical attention in the after hours period, according to MPHN CEO Melissa Neal.

“The Wagga GP After Hours Service is staffed by committed local GPs who provide high quality patient care when their regular surgery is closed,” Ms Neal said.

“It is absolutely vital during this time for people who are unwell continue to see a medical professional for treatment, even outside of normal business hours.”

Established in 2003, the clinic is operated by 41 GPs from eight local general practices who work on a rotating roster.

Glenrock Country Practice GP and Chair of the WGPAHS Cooperative, Associate Professor Ayman Shenouda, said access to the WGPAHS helps reduce the pressure on the emergency department at Wagga Wagga Base Hospital and minimises waiting time for people by offering a more appropriate primary care alternative.

“The service addresses urgent medical treatment for general practice patients who cannot wait to see their regular GP the next day,” Dr Shenouda said.

“The GPs that have participated in the WGPAHS for the last 17 years feel it is a privilege to provide this service to their local community every day of the year.”

Since its establishment, the WGPAHS has provided more than 110,000 patient consultations, with most of these via people coming to the clinic in Morgan Street but also with GP visits to aged care facilities.

Dr Shenouda said the clinic would continue to strive to meet the changing health needs of the local community.

“We intend to work closely with the community to adopt new and improved practices to provide a high standard of healthcare both now and into the future,” he said.

“Our staff are proud of the service we offer and we hope to help many more local patients in the years to come.”

For more information about the WGPAHS visit www.mphn.org.au/after-hours.