Two more doctors for Karratha

Two more private doctors will begin work in Karratha in the next few weeks.

Health Minister Keith Wilson said today both doctors would work with local GP Dr Philip Noble, who has an established practice in the town.

Mr Wilson said one of the doctors would start work in Dr Noble's rooms in the Health Centre in Warrambie Road early next week.  The other GP was expected to join the practice in about a fortnight.

"The Government has been concerned for some time at the shortage of doctors in Karratha and has worked closely with the local council to try to attract more private practitioners to the town," he said.

"The appointment of these two doctors will help overcome the immediate problem, while efforts continue to find GPs who want to set up permanent practice in Karratha."

Mr Wilson praised the co-operation of Dr Noble and Dr Bill Jackson, of the Centre for Rural and Remote Medicine, in helping to secure the two doctors.

"Attracting GPs to Karratha is the best solution to the town's doctor shortage, because it preserves the important role of private practitioners in meeting the health care needs of people in the area," Mr Wilson said.

He said the Government had helped by providing both residential and surgery accommodation for the GPs, and would continue to be involved in finding more permanent doctors for Karratha.