Leeton Shire Council received the DA from the Leeton Family Clinic late last year to extend the surgery to allow for more space for staff and patients, as well as attracting more student doctors. 

The matter was up for discussion at council’s recent monthly meeting. 

These extensions will create three extra consulting rooms, a new waiting room and a foyer.

It means the building will be extended forward to the footpath. 

There were some concerns raised at the meeting regarding the development application, including access to parking, keeping the look of the building in line with the environment around it, as well as the general safety of the area for older patients.

The clinic is located in an area that is close to homes, but is now also zoned as commercial. It is also the only fully bulk-billed clinic in Leeton.

Leeton Family Clinic practice manager Jodie Brady spoke at the meeting about the DA. 

“This is to accommodate the growth of our general practice and relieve the already stretched service of the Leeton health service,” she said. “The clinic to date has three full-time general practitioners, one new registrar starting (this month), two registered nurses, five receptionists and in-house pathology. 

“With the proposed extensions … growth in the business will see the current staff levels increased, providing employment opportunities for locals.” 

The clinic has also been successful in obtaining a grant from the University of Wollongong for the extension, which will allow student doctors more room to learn and also entice them to staying on in Leeton. 

RELATED

“At present the clinic has an allocation of two registrar positions, each a six-month term, unfortunately the clinic due its space can only accommodate one,” Mrs Brady said. 

“This extension would address this matter. It will decrease the demand on our strained resources and allow the clinic to contribute to the on-call doctor roster at the Leeton hospital.”

The clinic has said it will address issues of parking where possible, as well as ensuring the extension doesn’t become an eye-sore in the neighbourhood. 

It will need to adhere to several conditions put in place by council and the matter will be addressed at a Leeton Traffic Committee meeting. 

Leeton Family Clinic is also the only surgery which offers an after-hours service. 

“I’m very excited to be able to participate in this building project,” Mrs Brady said. 

“(It is an) investment that not only will equip the clinic to develop excellent health care services, but will also increase the number of general practitioners for the benefit of the local community.”

****

While you’re with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox every Friday at 6am from The Irrigator. To make sure you’re up to date with all news in Leeton sign up here.