A minor health revolution is unfolding in Caroline Springs with an after hours clinic to gain a new doctor and a full-time nurse as plans are revealed for a pharmacy to be built nearby.
The Caroline Springs GP After Hours Clinic received a $50,000 Melbourne Primary Care Network grant late last year.
The grant will be used to employ a full-time nurse to assist the centre’s doctors.
The centre is the only practice in the area that remains open until midnight seven days a week.
Operations general manager Rushan Hewawasam said that because of a growing patient list, the centre needed additional help after hours.
“The doctors do a lot by themselves,” he said.
“Our practice serves a lot of parents who are short of time during the day so we are also looking to employ a female doctor who will hopefully start before winter.
“Plans are under way for a new pharmacy to be built near the practice as soon as possible. It would operate until at least 11pm.”
The clinic was one of 13 health organisations to share grants valued at more than $800,000 from the Melbourne Primary Care Network.
The grants are to improve access to medical care outside normal business hours by increasing existing services.
The Caroline Springs centre relocated to 1042 Western Highway more than three years ago.
