General practice changes hands

The High Street Medical Centre in Greymouth has been bought by a group of the general practice’s staff members and will continue to provide care for its patients.

The new owners are nurses Kathy Hines, Michelle Robb, Rose Ruddle and Sue Griffin and Practice Manager Tracey Ilton.

Ms Ilton wants to reassure patients that business as usual will continue at the practice.

“The nurses within the practice know the population well and will provide stability in the short term along with locum GPs while we recruit long term GPs. The staff really believe in this practice and want to be able to provide continuity of care for the patients,” she says.

West Coast DHB Programme Director Michael Frampton says outgoing GP Dr JD Naidoo had made a significant contribution to West Coast health services.

He said the DHB, along with West Coast Primary Health and Better Health, had been helping with the transition.

“All general practices are important in terms of the wider health system on the West Coast. We are confident that High Street Medical Centre will continue to provide quality health care for its patients,” Mr Frampton says.

West Coast Primary Health Executive Officer Helen Reriti welcomed the new owners.

“I’m looking forward to working with the team at High Street Medical Centre. Together we will provide services to look after people who are unwell but to also help people stay well through encouraging people to get regular screening, get their kids immunised and utilise the other preventative services available through their general practice,” Ms Reriti says.

ENDS

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