Quirindi welcomes new doctors following successful EOI process

The community of Quirindi, on the fertile Liverpool Plains of NSW, is celebrating the arrival of new doctors, following a successful recruitment drive supported by Rural Doctors Network (RDN) through the Collaborative Care Program.

Northwest Health Quirindi, led by Dr Ian Kamerman, opened its books earlier this month as a new primary healthcare provider for the town, and Dr Mitra Shahroudi joined the team at the Quirindi Health Centre practice in September.

After identifying an urgent need for doctors, Collaborative Care’s local partners and stakeholders, including Liverpool Plains Shire Council, the Primary Health Network, and RDN, co-designed a comprehensive recruitment campaign to attract more GPs to Quirindi.  

The team coordinated a generous support package and RDN launched a wide-scale media campaign to find new doctors. A Monday Message story caught the keen eye of a prospective applicant in Dr Ian Kamerman and, after a process, Hunter New England Local Health District endorsed Northwest Health to commence general practice and medical officer coverage at Quirindi Hospital.

In November, Dr Kamerman commenced part-time, alongside supervising RG Registrars Dr Peter Abou-Jaoude and Dr Alireza Yadollahi Farsani at Northwest Health Quirindi, co-located at Quirindi hospital.

Northwest Health already has practices in Werris Creek, Tamworth and Calala and has a strong track record of delivering GP services in the Hunter New England Local Health District. 

RDN Medical Workforce Consultant, Michelle Hudson, described the news as an incredible outcome for Quirindi. 

“The appointment of Dr Kamerman, alongside two RG Registrars, will bring real stability and improved access to local healthcare, something the region has urgently needed,” Michelle said. 

“Having doctors available locally means residents won’t have to travel long distances for essential care, which is a game-changer for health equity and outcomes. 

“This is an incredible outcome for the Quirindi community and one that RDN is proud to have played a key role in supporting,” she said.

Michelle said the news is a great example of what can be achieved when RDN works closely with local partners who are committed to bringing lasting healthcare solutions to rural NSW.  

“This success has been supported by close collaboration with key local stakeholders, including the PHN and council, whose contributions helped lay the groundwork for this achievement,” Michelle said. 

“We know that sustainable rural healthcare doesn’t happen by chance. It takes strong leadership, deep community understanding, and the right support structures, all of which have come together here,” she said. 

Liverpool Plains Shire Mayor, Ken Cudmore, acknowledged the efforts of the Hunter New England Local Health District in managing the EOI and securing Northwest Health. 

“This is a terrific outcome for the Liverpool Plains Shire in that it ensures our community can continue to access quality integrated primary care services and benefit from medical officer coverage here at the Quirindi Hospital,” Cr Cudmore said. 

“Northwest Health currently provides GP services at Calala, Tamworth and Werris Creek, so they’ve got a strong footprint in our region and have demonstrated a genuine commitment to providing services to our community,” he said.

RDN was further able to support the relocation of Dr Mitra Shahroudi, from Queensland, to a neighbouring practice, Quirindi Health Centre, and through the Collaborative Care Program to offer six months’ support from a local ‘welcome ambassador’ to help her settle in.

“Dr Mitra’s arrival occurred at a time when we were about to lose another doctor, who was moving on to northern pastures,” says Quirindi Health Centre (QHC) Practice Manager Jenny Mason. “Her arrival allowed us to keep serving our town and its health needs, and her experiences make her a welcome addition to our team.

“Dr Mitra is the third doctor to have arrived at QHC and been welcomed and looked after by RDN. We are thankful for RDN’s continued support of rural doctors and their communities through the support packages they provide and also the relocation assistance given to new doctors,” she says.

“From the QHC perspective it is very helpful to have a group dedicated to helping those in rural communities navigate bureaucracy and the ins and outs of running a rural practice. Many’s the time I have read through the regular emails and gleaned useful information.”

RDN congratulates Quirindi’s new doctors and joins with the Quirindi community in wishing them a very warm welcome!

The Collaborative Care Program offers a place-based planning approach to addressing health needs in rural and regional communities. The program is facilitated by Rural Doctors Network (RDN) in partnership with the NSW Ministry of Health, local health providers, and community organisations. Quirindi, on the fertile Liverpool Plains in NSW, is one of five current Collaborative Care project locations.  

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• Congratulations to Dr Ian Kamerman who was recently announced one of three finalists across Australia in the ‘Rural/Remote Health Professional of the Year’ category at the National Rural and Remote Health Awards. RDN congratulates Dr Kamerman on being a finalist.
• Northwest Health Expands: A Warm Welcome to the Quirindi Community! (Northwest Health)
• AMA NSW Doctor Magazine: 'More Doctors for the Bush'