Go ahead for new Medical Centre despite objections

The application has been lodged by Dr. Nameer Abdulla, who plans to develop rooms at the rear of the building as consulting rooms.

Cost of converting the area to its new purpose has been put at $20,000.

Five submissions were received by Council opposing the development as presented.

But Council’s Planning Manager, Mr. Roland Young, reported to last Council meeting that a number of the concerns expressed were of no planning relevance and could not be considered in determining the application.

Local Government regulations relating to privacy mean that the names and addresses of the objectors are not released, and are “blotted out” in the copies circulated in the meeting business paper.

However, it is clear from the content of the letters that many of the concerns emanate from current medical services in Crookwell.

One submission claimed that Dr. Abdullah’s address is given as 105 Cowper Street, Goulburn, but he understood that a Dr. Abdullah had never lived or operated out of this address “which in fact is the rented home of the architect Mr. Time Lee.

“However, a Dr. Nameer Abdullah appears to be associated with medical clinics in Penrith in NSW and Shepparton and Kyabram in Victoria.”

Another submission states: “Whilst we have no objection to a new medical facility in Crookwell, we do object to it being located within pharmacy premises – this will obviously give that pharmacy the benefit of people getting their prescriptions made up there out of sheer convenience – we wonder what affect that will have on the other pharmacy in terms of income and viability.”

The submission continued: “It is appreciated that Council’s approval is limited to ensuring that the development complies with all appropriate regulations etc., and Council does not have the power to control how the applicant actually runs his business.”

But the letter goes on to express concern about the effect on other medical services in the town.

“It is obvious to all residents of Crookwell and surrounding areas that our present medical practitioners are working far beyond what should be expected of anyone, and we are very fortunate to have such dedicated and caring doctors.

“It is also obvious we need an extra doctor(s) in Crookwell to alleviate the pressure on our existing doctors and to alleviate the extended waiting times (for patients).

“We consider though that any additional doctor needs to reside in the area and be committed to caring (for patients and the community) in conjunction with existing medical practitioners.”

The submissions commented that Dr. Abdullah had not had any communication with existing doctors, the hospital or the other pharmacy “as to how his facility will assist in benefiting the health and well-being of the community.”

“It appears his venture is based purely on financial returns as we understand it will be staffed by several part-time doctors (who do not reside in the area) on a roster basis, and only during normal business hours; no after-hours service will be offered.

“This will do nothing to reduce the pressure on our existing doctors; indeed it could increase the financial pressure n them as it will take away a percentage of their income.

“We also understand that the remuneration our existing doctors receive for the incredible amount of time they spend at the hospital, on hospital after-hours roster etc. – is paltry, therefore they rely heavily on the returns from their surgery consultations.”

Another submission declared: “I can only imagine that this development if allowed to proceed will destroy the social structure of health delivery for all Crookwell residents, as these trainees cannot take their place at the hospital or provide after hours care in the manner of the current Crookwell surgeries.”

Another lengthy submission commented: “Of interest to us all are after hours arrangements, involvement in the Hospital VMO roster, attendance at Viewhaven Lodge, and commitment to teaching.

“I would like to know if the new centre be a fly in fly out centre, what is the corporate structure, from whence do the doctors come, have they completed their GP specialty training.

“I question the impartiality and ethics of entering the centre via the pharmacy and ponder on the freedom of patients to choose their dispensing chemist.

“I request that the (approval) not be delegated to the Town Planner or be summarily approved, without discussion of the details, ramifications and impact on the present long serving incumbents such as Dr. and Mrs. Thangavelu, the doctors and staff at the (Health Centre), Crookwell Hospital, Viewhaven Lodge and townsfolk of Crookwell and surrounds.”

Mr. Wong, in his report, declared that such objections were not related to Council’s planning powers.

However, other factors raised (such as access for disabled patients unloaded in the back-door lane, disposal of waste such as needles, the effect on traffic and parking, size of rooms etc)) had been considered and action taken where necessary.

Mr. Wong recommended that Council approve the application, providing all the conditions applied are met.

This was carried 6 votes to 2, with Crs. McCormack, Wheelwright, Culhane, Marshall, Craig and Shaw in favour, Crs. Barlow and Searl opposed.