New GP clinics in Cairns open their doors to patients, provide relief to strained healthcare sector

Cairns citizens desperate for medical attention can breathe a momentary sigh of relief as new health clinics open in the city, but their numbers are already beginning to swell. FIND OUT MORE

TWO new clinics in Cairns are set to offer welcome relief to patients struggling to see a GP.

Both Katherine Holzhauser from Upward Life Family Practice and Raj Rajpal from Harmony Family Medical Centre reported a very busy opening of their clinics.

“We haven’t done any advertising at all, so the fact that my first week was full was quite a surprise,” said Dr Holzhauser.

“I think it’s a reflection on how much need is there for GP care in the community.

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“People have been relieved to find a GP practice that is accepting new patients. They’ve been saying how nice it is to be seen within a week.”

Dr Holzhauser and her colleague Merodia Rodgers, due to begin work at the clinic in July, are locals whose professional journeys have kept them close to the Far North.

Dr Holzhauser has worked at both Cairns Hospital and the private hospital and said providing quality care to the Cairns community, now as a GP, is a key value for her.

“Myself and Dr Rodgers are both north Queenslanders and JCU graduates. We’re passionate about looking after people in the North because we’re from here.”

Dr Katherine Holzhauser and Practice Manager Aimee Jeffery at the new McLeod St clinic. Picture Emily Barker

Dr Holzhauser said the sheer breadth and diversity of her job role made the GP specialisation a compelling career move for her.

“It’s interesting, it’s challenging, I get to follow up with patients across their lifespan. I get to see mums and bubs grow up. It’s very rewarding,” she said.

The staff at Harmony Family Medical Centre, a GP clinic staffed by three doctors and located in Bungalow, were also surprised by the quick arrival of patients to their service.

“When we opened this practice we were prepared for things to be slow, but we picked up pretty quick. We did not anticipate we would get this busy this quick and we do anticipate our books will fill quickly,” said Dr Raj Rajpal.

Harmony Family Medical Centre staff Practice Manger Laurel Mezei, nurse Dom Otis, Dr Raj Rajpal, Dr Gagan Rajpal, and medical receptionists Sofie Stewart and Tina Elmer at the new Mulgrave Rd health centre. Picture Emily Barker

Raj and Gagan Rajpal, a husband-wife GP team at Harmony, started their journeys as GPs in FNQ. They are acutely aware of how necessary new GPs are to the region.

“GPs are needed everywhere. In Australia there is a massive shortage of GPs,” said Dr Rajpal.

“You can only imagine the frustration patients would have. My first patient today, her mother was not able to get her seen by GPs for two weeks.

“If there is a sick child who needs to be seen now and they can’t be seen … you can imagine the plight of the parents. This is happening and it is causing frustration.

“We are seeing patients from the Tablelands to Innisfail and they are very thankful.”

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Both Upward Life Family Practice and Harmony Family Medical Centre have their books open to new patients.

Originally published as New GP clinics in Cairns open their doors to patients, provide relief to strained healthcare sector