THE Leeton Family Clinic has not only welcomed a new doctor, it will now extend its operating hours and the building has recently undergone major renovations.
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Work at the clinic has extended the building and the facility now has four consultation rooms and a treatment room, with ease of entry from a broad hallway.
There are now nine staff members, including GPs, nursing, administration and pathology.
The staff at Leeton Family Clinic know that "regular business hours" are anything but for many people and have extended their hours of service for the convenience of patients.
Leeton Family Clinic is open Mondays from 9am to 5pm, Tuesday to Friday from 9am to 10pm, Saturday from 10am to 6pm and Sunday from 9am to 4pm.
Not just an emergency service, the extended operating times will help those who require medical appointments, but can't get to the doctor during work hours.
Dr Bernie Haasbroek works at the clinic Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.
Dr Tatiana Pavlovskaya works Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm.
Dr Rahul Kalon has taken on the new after-hours service, working Tuesday to Friday from 5pm to 10pm, Saturday from 10am to 6pm and Sunday from 9am to 4pm.
Doctor Bernie Haasbroek
What services do you offer?
All aspects of family medicine. WorkCover. Advanced obstetrics, including Caesarean section. Neonatal circumcision, Skin surgery, including complicated flaps. Vasectomy. Women's health, including Mirena (intrauterine contraceptive system).
Where did you study/where are you from?
I obtained my primary degree in South Africa. I trained in surgery, completing primary and intermediate surgical college exams before migrating to Australia in 1996.
After arriving in Australia I retrained in family medicine and obstetrics, then worked for the Royal Flying Doctor Service and Queensland Health.
How long have you been working in Leeton?
Since 2002.
What is the best part of your profession?
The best part of my job is helping women birth their babies safely. In spite of all the late nights and lost sleep, this is what I love to do.
What do you like most about working and living in Leeton?
Leeton is the best town to live in, in the world. After more than 12 years I will hopefully retire here. The people are kind, open, friendly and almost all my friends live here.
How important is it for a person to have a family doctor?
Family doctors have a holistic approach and get to know the entire person and their family, rather than just focusing on "body parts", like specialists.
Doctor Rahul Kalon
Initially trained in India where he attained a Batchelor of Medicine and Batchelor of Surgery in 1999.
Dr Kalon achieved a Masters in Public Health in Sweden in 2005.
Doctor Tatiana Pavlovskaya
Trained in Russia and specialises in child health and paediatrics.
She migrated to Australia in 2003 and has worked in Leeton since 2008.
Area of expertise/specialisation
General practice with an interest in psychiatry, geriatrics and women's health.
Where did you study/where are you from?
Sydney University.
How long have you been working in Leeton?
Two weeks currently, but I was in Leeton for some months last year.
How important is it for a person to have a family doctor?
Having a family doctor provides continuity of care and can lead to early diagnosis. It also ensures there is no drug interaction with drugs prescribed by other GPs.
What is the best part of your profession?
Longitudinal care of families.
THE Australian Medical Association's (AMA) Family Doctor Week 2014 acknowledged the hard work and dedication of the more than 30,000 GPs across Australia who provide high quality primary healthcare and advice to their patients in local communities in cities, suburbs, rural centres, country towns and remote areas across the country.
The theme of the week, "Your Family Doctor - Keeping You Healthy", encapsulates the key role that family doctors play in all our lives, throughout all stages of life.
AMA president, Associate Professor Brian Owler, said family doctors work closely with their patients to identify and treat health problems early, better manage existing conditions, minimise the risks of disease, and provide advice and guidance to live a healthier life.
"Nearly 90 per cent of Australians have a regular GP and enjoy better health because of that ongoing and trusted relationship," Prof Owler said.
"The personalised care and preventive health advice provided by GPs about exercise, diet and leading a healthy lifestyle keep people out of hospitals and keep health costs down.
"General practice is the cornerstone of primary healthcare and the most cost-effective part of the health system.
"Family doctors are leaders in preventive healthcare, early diagnosis and treatment, co-ordinated care, and chronic disease management.
"But they need to be supported in their important work.
Professor Owler said the AMA was working with the government on concerns about changes to primary care that were part of the May Budget, particularly relating to proposed co-payments for general practice, radiology and pathology services.
He said AMA Family Doctor Week puts the focus on general practice and reminds people about the importance of family doctors in local communities.
"Family Doctor Week allows the AMA to highlight all that is good about general practice and family doctors, and it also allows us to discuss issues or policies that need to be resolved to allow general practice to provide even better services to Australian communities," Prof Owler said.
"Above all, Family Doctor Week is a chance for the medical profession to remind people about the importance of looking after their health.
"If you have a family doctor, make sure you have regular check-ups.
"If you do not have a family doctor, we urge you find one locally and establish an important relationship that will be crucial to good health throughout life."