Dr Akhiwu to practice in Grenfell

GRENFELL will get its promised GP after all – Dr Patrick Akhiwu has been cleared to practice in the town.

Dr Akhiwu’s long-awaited appointment recently hit an official snag, which has since been cleared.

“I’m advised by the Western New South Wales Local Health District (WNSWLHD) that the Royal Australasian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has revised the restrictions placed on Dr Akhiwu,” says Primary Industries Minister and Member for Burrinjuck Katrina Hodgkinson.

“This is fantastic news for Grenfell and surrounding communities and it is wonderful to see the issue of Dr Akhiwu’s employment has been resolved.

“Last week I expressed my concern about media reports that Dr Akhiwu will not be able to work in Grenfell to the Minister for Health, Jillian Skinner, and

“I know that Dr Akhiwu is very keen to live and work in Grenfell.

“I commend the WNSWLHD and Weddin Shire Council for their efforts to recruit a new GP for the town, and I am pleased that they have been involved in this positive outcome,” Ms Hodgkinson says.

The RACGP is responsible for the assessment of overseas trained doctors.

Western NSWLHD chief executive, Ron Dunham, says the latest development is great news for Grenfell.

“After a short period of time spent working in Cowra under the mentorship of senior doctors, Dr Akhiwu will relocate to Grenfell and set up a GP practice,” says Mr Dunham.

Mr Dunham has thanked Cowra Medical Associates for offering to provide support to Dr Akhiwu while he orientates to the NSW health system.