Lake Innes Medical centre opens

Medical, dental, pathology and physiotherapy services are available under the one roof at Lake Innes Village Medical and Dental Clinic.

The practice opened on September 22.

Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology has a collection room at the practice.

Practice management is working to recruit more GPs to join Dr Gerry Vanderslink who saw his first patients at the clinic last week.

It is planned there will be four GPs working from the centre.

Dr Vanderslink, with 33 years' experience in general practice, worked in Tasmania for decades before concentrating on locum work in Western Australia.

Port Macquarie is now home, rather than simply a holiday spot.

"It's nice to start in a new practice from fresh and build it up," Dr Vanderslink said.

The friendly nature of the practice and follow-up care are among the attractions for Dr Vanderslink who enjoys the family aspect of GP work.

"You watch people go from one phase to another," he said.

Dr Vanderslink, with a Diploma of Practical Dermatology, has a particular interest in skin cancer and other skin conditions.

Meanwhile, dentist Stephen Vennard is committed to providing quality dental care for the whole family without the expensive price tag.

The team is committed to bridging the gap for better oral health.

Catherine McLean and Kathy Lawrence from Port Macquarie Physio and Pilates have opened a second satellite clinic at the Lake Innes Village Medical and Dental Clinic.

"The current centre is constantly busy, we felt there was a demand, and Port Macquarie was spreading west and this opportunity presented," Ms McLean said.

"We are excited about the opportunity to work alongside the other health professionals."

The satellite clinic caters to all physiotherapy needs but the clinical pilates remains at the Murray Street practice.

Sara Spencer will soon join the physiotherapy team of Ms McLean and Carly Groves working from the Lake Innes Village clinic.