Rutherford North Medical Centre has already employed one doctor who attends to new patients on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.

Director Dr Ramesh Chandran has opened the centre’s books to new patients struggling to find a doctor in their area.

Practice manager Kalpana Ramesh Chandran said the 

practice intends to recruit another two doctors and a nurse and there has been a lot of interest in the positions.

She hoped another two 

doctors would be on board next month.

“Each doctor will look after 20 to 30 new patients initially,” she said. “Patient numbers can then be gradually increased.

“Doctors will work on a roster system to enable the centre to open seven days.”

Mrs Chandran said the centre is intended to cater to families moving into high-growth areas such as Aberglasslyn and McKeachie’s Run, along with an ageing population in the west.

“There are other doctor’s surgeries already established in Rutherford but in most cases their books are closed,” she said.

“Some of those doctors will eventually retire so this new centre has opened at an ideal time and location based on a survey we conducted.”

She expected the new centre would help ease the burden on Maitland Hospital’s emergency department and after hours GP service during weekends.

“There is a high demand for new doctors because it is a growing area with lots of families moving here.

“We have been working on the new centre since last December and we found this is the perfect location for us because it is quite busy.”

Dr Khurram Waris is taking appointments and saw his first new patients when the centre opened its doors yesterday.

Dr Waris hails from Muswellbrook and has worked at Maitland Hospital and John Hunter Hospital.

He specialises in working with pensioners and families to ensure continuity of care.

The centre has parking spaces for patients and wheelchair access.