AN INFLUX of medical specialists will soon become a reality for Mount Gambier with plans to expand the city’s number of medical consulting suites and services in the new year.
In what is described as “a large, modern expansion specifically designed as a centre for medical excellence” a new building will be situated on the block of land currently housing the local Returned and Services League’s armoured vehicle display.
The RSL recently sold the land to Mount Gambier Medical Consulting Suites, which currently leases the adjacent property on Sturt Street to Warrnambool Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and other medical specialists.
Once completed, the new property would be linked to the existing premises to form an expanded consultation facility.
Mount Gambier Medical Consulting Suites managing director Bruce Keeley told The Border Watch yesterday the plan was to have a variety of medical specialists consulting in Mount Gambier to “address the shortage of medical expertise in the region”.
“How many locals have to travel to Adelaide or Melbourne for a 30 minute specialist appointment and then commute all the way back?” Mr Keeley said.
“I have strong family and friendship ties in Mount Gambier and am well aware of the frustrations of those needing specialist medical assessments, particularly on a regular basis.
“We plan to address this local need by bringing specialists from predominantly Adelaide and Melbourne to the city to do their consulting here.
“Our purpose-built suites will give them the opportunity to do so.”
Mr Keeley said construction work at the site on the corner of Sturt and Ferrers streets should begin in January and be completed by around July.
“We are working closely with the Mount Gambier City Council and are grateful for their support,” he said.
“The project would be a significant investment in the region and should have a positive flow-on effect in the local economy.
“The demand for specialist medical services is here and we are in a position to meet it for the benefit of the community.”
Mr Keeley said the building site was a “prime location for a modern design”, which would be pleasing to the eye in addition to its functionality.
“Specialists would have everything they need at the facility, from consultation suites and a procedure room to high-speed internet services,” he said.
“We are also investigating the possibility of services where specialists will be flown in from Adelaide and Melbourne to do their consulting before returning the same day.”
Plans are already in place to remove the RSL’s tank, armoured car and cannons from the building site, clearing it for construction works to begin.
