The community-built medical centre at Taralga has a new doctor and she's planning on sticking around.
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"I love it here," Doctor Lisa Opie says as she looks at the sheep grazing outside the window of her country practice.
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Thrive GP recently opened in Taralga at the medical centre on Bunnaby Street.
General Practitioner (GP), Dr Opie, is joined by practice nurse Ruth Myvalt and practice manager, Tania Croker. The centre will open each Tuesday between 10am to 4pm.
"Once it gets busier we will add in after hours or an extra clinic to give people an option after work," Dr Opie said.
Dr Opie, a fellow of the college of GPs, also has extensive knowledge of Aboriginal health and a passion for rural medicine and children's health.
The busy doctor splits her time between the Gunning District Community and Health Service, the Crookwell District Hospital, Sunset Lodge and Thrive GP. The construction of a second practice in Crookwell is also underway.
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"Crookwell and Taralga will complement each other," she said.
"We're about to start demolition in town at the old fire station. We're keeping the facade so it will fit in with streetscape. There's nothing salvageable behind that."
The premises at 161 Goulburn Street in Crookwell is expected to be open by early 2020.
Most services are offered at the new GP, except for vaccines at this time. There is a pathology team to collect blood tests and specimens. People can book in with the practice nurse for regular health checks, as well as basic education, dressings and weight loss and exercise programs.
"If someone cut themselves shearing we have sutures to fix people up." If you are on a puffer and need to be shown how to use it properly, we can help. That's the beauty of a practice nurse," Ms Myvalt said
Crookwell and Taralga Aged Care chief executive, Joanne Boyce, said the surgery's presence would improve residents' health.
"Having access to a consistent, quality service provided by Dr Opie will be central to our residents living longer, healthier, happier lives. Dr Opie will be central to our aim of improving health outcomes for our residents and reducing hospital visits," she said.
For more information visit: thrivegp.com.au