An apple a day might keep the doctor away, but if you need to visit a GP it is reassuring to know the Blue Mountains has the best doctor’s practice in the state.
Last Sunday the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) awarded the New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory General Practice of the Year Award to Hazelbrook General Practice.
The award recognises general practices for their approach to patients’ health and well-being.
RACGP NSW/ACT faculty chairperson Dr Guan Yeo congratulated the team at Hazelbrook General Practice, praising their “exemplary dedication” to the delivery of high quality care while maintaining a strong commitment to train and mentor the next generation of GPs.
“The team at Hazelbrook General Practice provides a very professional and family-friendly environment and is a quality example of a patient-centred medical home,” Dr Yeo said.
“The practice has consistently demonstrated support to medical students considering a vocation in general practice.
“Their high level of enthusiasm to train registrars and provide a positive general practice experience throughout the early stages of their careers is outstanding.”
Dr Linda McQueen, a general practitioner at Hazelbrook General Practice, said the accolade was a great honour and a true testament to the hard work and genuine passion every member of the practice brings to their role.
“General practice is the cornerstone of a healthy nation and we are delighted to play a role in our local community, working to achieve excellent health for all,” Dr McQueen said.
The practice’s manager Cathy Hamilton said winning was a wonderful surprise.
“The first we heard about it was when they (RACGP) phoned us to tell us we’d won,” she said.
“You don’t enter or register for this award — you are nominated, which makes it even more special.”
The General Practice of the Year Award 2012 was presented to the Hazelbrook General Practice at an awards ceremony at The Great Hall at Sydney University on Sunday, November 11.
Hazelbrook General Practice has seven GP partners and three associates, with recently constructed facilities offering well-equipped consultation and treatment rooms.
The practice offers a number of specialty services to patients including women’s and men’s health, mental health, paediatrics, sports medicine, skin cancer care and chronic and acute care.
A full range of nursing services is offered by the four practice nurses and the practice provides home visits including palliative care, 24-hour emergency cover and visits to local residential and aged care facilities.
Allied health professionals are located next door and are closely consulted, including the Blue Mountains Aboriginal Healthy for Life Program.