Calling all patients

Since the clinic opened in March, after the new South East Regional Hospital, Bega opened, there has been a general perception by the public that there was little point in attending the clinic as not much in the way of treatment could be offered.

But Ms Austin said this is incorrect and has pointed to the recent treatment of a local woman, Lynette Bothamley, aged 66, who presented to the clinic as she had serious concerns following surgery on her leg.

Ms Bothamley had a large melanoma removed, and following a visit to her doctor post-surgery she was worried about her wound. She presented to the Pambula ATC Clinic, after the wound had become infected and needed specialist care.

“The treatment I received from nurses in the clinic has been amazing. The care and attention I have received while having my daily dressings has been fantastic. I am extremely grateful for the clinic, it is doing a wonderful job,” Mrs Bothamley said.

Mrs Bothamley’s experience highlights the great work of the Pambula ATC clinic, Ms Austin said. 

“For the miyard of conditions that we would typically see, nurses are well-trained and well-equipped. They can look at you and access what treatment is necessary. They can treat you and will ring up the next day to check your progress, or can direct you to a GP and even make an appointment,” Ms Austin said.

“Actually it’s a very good service. It’s not a major service for casualties and trauma and for serious conditions like suspected heart attacks and serious trauma people need to call triple 000. But it’s always been like that. It is nurse led, safe, and there’s not been adverse outcome since it opened,” she said.

”It’s a free service and people don’t have to wait.”

The clinic has seen 369 patients to date and operates from 8am to 8pm seven days a week. The nursing staff at the clinic are qualified to deal with the minor illnesses and injuries. They assess all cases and either deal with them at the clinic or arrange transfer to SERH.