04 May 2009

After-hours GP service supports Sutherland Hospital's Emergency Department

Demand for the Kareena After-Hours General Practice is at a high with more than 8,000 patients treated at the Clinic in the last 12 months.

The Kareena After-Hours not only provides exceptional support to the Emergency Department at Sutherland Hospital but assists in easing the on-call pressure on individual local GP’s.

The Clinic was established in 1987 by a group of local doctors who wanted to provide quality after-hours medical services to Sutherland Shire residents.

Director of Emergency at Sutherland Hospital Dr Michael Golding said by working in close co-operation with the Kareena After-Hours, staff were able to treat more urgent cases presenting to the Hospital’s Emergency Department.

"The close working relationship the Hospital has with the Kareena After-Hours ensures those residents who require Hospital care are transferred quickly and efficiently to the Emergency Department,” Dr Golding said.

"There is a smooth referral process in place for patients to be transferred to the Emergency Department if they require urgent treatment,” he said.

The Kareena After-Hours, located at Kareena Private Hospital (86 Kareena Road, Caringbah) offers acute primary care services.

Opening hours are from 7pm – 10.30pm Monday to Friday; 1pm – 10.00pm on Saturday and 9am – 10.00pm Sundays and public holidays.

CEO of the Sutherland Shire Division of General Practice (Shire GPs) Yvonne Rowling said there are now 42 general practitioners working in this co-operative model.

"These doctors show their recognition of after-hours care as an integral part of providing comprehensive general practice services to the community.

"A record of the patient’s consultation is provided to their usual GP which ensures continuity of care for the patient," Ms Rowling said.

"The practice enjoys excellent working relationships with both Sutherland Hospital and Kareena Private Hospital and provides quality medical services to those patients needing after-hours care," she said.

Media enquiries: Maxine Brennan 9113 2601, 0413 028 776