Terrigal and Avoca Beach Medical Centres have received $35,000 and $25,000 respectively from the Federal Labor Government’s Strengthening Medicare General Practice Grants Program.

Combined, Coastal Family Medicine which trades as Terrigal Medical Centre and Avoca Beach Medical Centre received $60,000.

The funding has enabled both practices to become reaccredited, as well as to build a new consulting room at the Terrigal practice.

Additionally, the funding has enhanced both practices for infection control and enabled the upgrade of essential equipment.

Federal Member for Robertson, Dr Gordon Reid MP, says the Federal Labor Government’s support for primary care is helping improve patient access in the region.

“The Federal Labor Government is working hard every day to strengthen healthcare on the Central Coast, especially primary care”, Dr Reid said.

“I am pleased to see our support has already enabled much-needed upgrades to Terrigal Medical Centre and Avoca Beach Medical Centre, as well as for the purchase of essential medical equipment”.

“My appreciation and thanks go to the medical staff at both practices who work hard to ensure outstanding patient care”, Dr Reid said.

Coastal Family Medicine Doctor, Dr Karen Douglas, explains how the funding has been utilised.

“The Strengthening Medicare General Practice Grants Program has provided invaluable funding to the Terrigal and Avoca Beach Medical Centres, which has enabled us to further enhance our patient care”, Dr Douglas said.

“This funding has ensured both practices reaccreditation, plus build a new consulting room at our Terrigal location, to enhance our facilities for infection control and to upgrade essential equipment”.

“These changes that we have been able to make through the availability of the funding have enabled the practice to take on an additional GP and to ensure we continue to provide the highest standard of care to all of our existing and new patients”, Dr Douglas said.

“The funding has enabled the practice to continue to grow and enhance our services to patients and has been invaluable to both sites”.

ENDS