General practitioner Dr Caroline Barrell has joined Ochre Health Medical Centre in Wentworth Falls, bringing the benefits of her 33 years’ of medical experience to the community full-time.
Dr Barrell is a familiar face in the Blue Mountains, having spent the past 10 years doing locum medical work between Katoomba and Blaxland in 10 medical practices. She brings a broad range of experience to the role, having also worked as a GP in rural and semi-rural communities in Tasmania, the NSW Riverina and Queensland.
In addition to her medical work, Dr Barrell is heavily involved in the cultural scene. A member of the Blue Mountains Heritage Dance Group in Wentworth Falls for more than eight years, Dr Barrell holds weekly classes in bush and traditional social dance. She is also a keen musician, playing the Irish whistle, recorder and Celtic harp as part of the Gang Gangs bush band and Mr Wentworth’s Fancy Regency band.
Dr Barrell said she is looking forward to taking up a permanent position in Wentworth Falls. “I’m excited to work with Ochre Health’s great team of people to support health in the local community,” she said.
Ochre Health Medical Centre has a team of six doctors and one nurse. Dr Barrell’s appointment follows the departure of Dr Simon Whitehead, who retired in December after working for 27 years as a general practitioner in Wentworth Falls.
Practice manager Avril Mathew said, “We are sad to farewell Dr Whitehead who has been an invaluable member of our centre for many years, but are delighted to welcome Dr Barrell, who will be a strong addition to our team. Dr Barrell is already popular with many local residents from her locum work in the area.”