An extra doctor will start work at the Rocky Ridge interim GP clinic in Katherine next week.
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The interim clinic hosted by Arafura Medical opened today, with one GP offering basic health services to Katherine residents.
However the NT Primary Health Network has revealed a second GP has been found to work at the interim clinic based at Rocky Ridge Aged Care Facility, starting next Friday, November 27.
Because of the extra doctor, the clinic will now be open every Thursday and additionally, Friday 1pm - 5pm and Saturdays 8.30am - 4.30pm from next week.
The clinic was originally only going to be open once a week.
NT PHN chief executive officer Gill Yearsley said there was high demand for appointments on the opening day of the clinic, with the schedule being booked out in less than a day.
"There has been high demand already, with today's first day of service booking out within 24 hours of us announcing the details," she said.
Ms Yearsley said the recruitment of a second doctor was a step towards a more permanent solution for Katherine's health crisis.
"We're pleased to be able to offer the Katherine community additional hours of face to face access to a GP," she said.
"This is great progress and we will continue to build up the available hours as more GPs are confirmed."
The NT PHN said the clinic's opening hours may vary over the Christmas period.
In addition to the interim service, Katherine residents can continue to access the following services:
All emergency situations, go to the Katherine Hospital ED as you normally would.
For routine appointments, you can access telehealth services by having one face to face appointment with a Darwin practice, which then gives you access to telehealth for up to 12 months.
Additionally, you can access:
o HealthNow Telehealth services from 8am - 6pm available at a cost of $79.00, afterhours telehealth service available 6pm - 8am weekdays, after 12pm Saturday and all day Sunday/Public Holidays - telephone 1800 931 165 (no cost).
o Pharmasave Katherine (pharmacy services, some vaccinations and able to provide medical certificates based on a medical assessment, cost $30.00).
o Headspace telehealth services for youth aged 12 - 25 in partnership with Arafura Medical (available locally without travel to Darwin once you've had a consult with Arafura Medical face to face) telephone 8912 4000.
o Wurli Wurlinjang Aboriginal Corporation telephone 8972 9100 (eligible clients only).
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