URALLA Shire Council has abandoned an opportunity for a medical student to practice in the community.
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The Rural Doctors Network approached Council in February, and a medical practice gave the green light to take part.
It would have cost ratepayers just $4600.
But, on Tuesday, councillors decided they had insufficient time to organise the two week placement.
I reckon [the decision] reflects poorly on Council when we have a community saying, 'Where are the country doctors?'
- Cr Kevin Ward.
“I reckon [the decision] reflects poorly on Council,” Cr Kevin Ward said.
“When we have a community saying, ‘Where are the country doctors?’
“It’s an opportunity to support country doctors for not very much money and I think it’s well worthwhile Council proceeding with it.”
General Manager Andrew Hopkins said the expectation on Council was not “overly time consuming”, they would only need to organise accommodation.
Of the students that take part, 41 per cent spend their first two years as doctors in rural communities, according to a study by the RDN.
And, rural doctors are difficult to find, the Walcha Multipurpose Service is still yet to find a replacement for theirs.
The decision came down to a tied vote, with Kevin Ward, Isobel Strutt and Natasha Ledger all in support of the program.
Mayor Michael Pearce cast the deciding vote and said he would have liked the medical centre to contribute financially.
“It would look a bit more shiny if we had better support and a bit more cash from the doctors but that’s my personal view,” he said.
Council will consider taking part in the Rural Doctors Network Bush Bursary program next year.