A new bulk billing GP clinic in Batemans Bay said it has been inundated with new patients since opening less than two weeks ago.
My Medical Practice on Beach Road has started taking on new patients amidst a major doctor shortage here on the Far South Coast.
Dr Reinier De Villiers said there is clearly a big need here.
“I have been inundated with bookings and patients that need to be seen,” Dr De Villiers said.
“A big percentage of these patients are actually people that have got legitimate problems if not looked after properly can actually cause them long term bad outcomes,” he said.
Dr De Villiers has relocated to the town from Milton to become the first GP at the new practice. Recruitment efforts have started to employ more doctors at the practice. Advanced negotiations with several GP’s are occurring.
Contrary to popular belief about doctors taking on the profession to make big money, that is not the case here with bulk billing appointments on offer to patients.
“We do the job because we feel that people are entitled to good care and to bring excellent care to people that can maybe not afford it but deserve it,” Dr De Villers said.
“That extra five minutes that you spend to show empathy and to be endearing to the patients can make a big difference in the success of your treatment,” he said.
“We’re not gonna spend that time on every consultation, but when it is necessary to do, it will be done.”
Dr De Villiers trained in his native South Africa and spent time as a full time member of the South African Military Medical Service. He moved to Australia in 2008 and has since worked as a GP in West Australia and NSW.
One frustration many people in regional communities like the Far South Coast have is not being able to see the same doctor all the time and they move on quickly to other regions.
Dr De Villiers said that will not be the case with him.
“As I say to to patients quite often I’m going out of your feet first,” Dr De Villiers said with a laugh.
“This will be my last station and I will try and provide the best service that I can for the time that I can still work you know so no I’m not I’m planning on going anywhere,” he said.
