Shire of Irwin intends to resolve medical centre trouble next week

Irwin Shire is planning to resolve some of the issues at Dongara Medical Centre at a special council meeting on March 3.

Irwin Shire chief executive Shane Ivers said they have contracted a second locum doctor since the closure to provide medical services to to residents for a two week period from Tuesday, March 3.

“Good news is we have a locum starting next week, what I believe is a highly qualified GP so we’re very fortunate,” he said.

Since January 24, the centre has been without a permanent doctor following the departure of Geraldton-based Batavia Health and Dr Zaw Soe, who commuted from Geraldton for six years to service Dongara and Port Denison patients.

The Shire is currently seeking interest from commercial operations to co-contribute towards the purchase of the facility.

Mr Ivers said the Shire was in “full swing” on the medical centre issue and hoped to have it close to resolved after Tuesday’s meeting.

“Part of the special council next week will be processing the principal GP, they’re looking to start on March 16,” he said.