WHILE the Armidale Hospital is in need of a $60 million redevelopment, that doesn’t stop the show from rolling on.
The hospital has just appointed a new physician who specialises in kidney disease.
Doctor Rachel Chalmers makes the move to Armidale from Darwin.
She will liaise with two kidney specialists based in Tamworth to treat patients at Armidale and will also provide outreach services to smaller hospitals in the region, including Inverell.
“In Darwin I developed a remote outreach renal clinic service so I’m very familiar with the challenges of living rurally and delivering health services in a rural setting,” Dr Chalmers said.
“I’m very excited to continue this in the beautiful city of Armidale.”
Armidale Hospital’s director of medical services Max Mansoor said Dr Chalmers would provide a boost to the hospital’s kidney disease team.
“We currently have visiting services from Tamworth to treat people with kidney disease, so Dr Chalmers will strengthen our capacity to provide expert clinical services for kidney disease from Armidale,” Dr Mansoor said.
“We are thrilled because we are almost the full complement of specialist staff and we are also thrilled that Dr Chalmers is very much committed to Armidale.”
Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall joined hospital staff last week to welcome Dr Chalmers to the region.
Mr Marshall said Dr Chalmers was the fifth staff specialist to join the team at Armidale Hospital in the past six months.
“This is very good news for the Armidale community,” the MP said.
“These appointments will enhance the hospital’s services and capacity, as well as strengthen patient care in the region.”
