Grafton surgeon quits in disgust

Dr Peter Claes  resigned from Grafton Base Hospital.

In a stinging attack on health officials and governments, Dr Claes said the North Coast Area Health Service (NCAHS) was not serious about ensuring a vibrant future for the Clarence Valley's premier health facility.

"They can't afford to let it close, but they are not prepared to do anything serious to help it," he said.

"Staff and the community need to get a feeling that the Area (NCAHS) is looking after us, but that isn't happening.

"We are always having to beg to get something done, whether it is for equipment or for staffing, it is always the same.

"They promise a lot, but offer nothing."

Dr Claes said the hospital had a committed and stable staff the most important ingredients in an effective hospital but they were not being supported by health officials.

"There needs to be a change in mentality," he said.

Dr Claes said much of his workload would be covered by locums after he officially left the hospital on November 1, but was concerned about the future of the fracture clinic at the hospital.

"It might be that if anyone breaks a bone they will have to travel to Coffs Harbour for treatment," he said.

NCAHS chief executive officer Chris Crawford said the future of the fracture clinic would be discussed with the hospital's Medical Staff Council, and the recruitment process for a new surgeon would start immediately.

"Grafton general surgeons receive payments at Rural Doctors Award rates, which are higher than those paid to their equivalents at Coffs Harbour and Lismore base hospitals," he said.

"This has applied since late 2001 and was designed as an incentive to attract and retain specialist general surgeons.

"Extensive medical recruiting is conducted nationally and internationally. Where necessary, potential recruits are assisted to attend on-site interviews.

"Dr Claes has been with GBH for the past six years, which is excellent service. These days it is not realistic to expect medical staff to remain in the one place for the rest of their professional careers. If they did, then there would be no movement into Grafton either.

"The chair of the GBH Medical Staff Council has advised that the doctors will be drafting recommended interim surgical arrangements that could apply until the completion of the new GBH operating theatres. NCAHS looks forward to receiving these recommendations."

State Member for Clarence Steve Cansdell said Dr Claes's departure brought to three the number of doctors who had given up on the Grafton Base Hospital in recent weeks.

Medical Staff Council chairman Dr Allan Tyson said Grafton was losing more medical professionals and the community needed to ask why.

He said Dr Claes would be impossible to replace.