Stawell Medical Centre turns 70

The team at Stawell Medical Centre is celebrating a special milestone this month. It is 70 years since the centre first opened at its current location in Wimmera Street. 

For many years the centre practiced with only one or two doctors. A household name in Stawell and a much revered and respected community member, Dr Norman Castle OAM was the original GP and remained in practice there for more than 50 years. 

Another local legend Dr Andrew Cunningham, who retired recently, worked at the centre for 45 years after Dr Castle lured him to Stawell from Geelong. 

Today the fully accredited Stawell Medical Centre is a thriving practice with seven contracted doctors and six practice nurses consulting with locals on an average 2800 appointments each month. 

Stawell Medical Centre practice manager Kelly Lee said her team had a pool of 20 doctors to call upon when needed. 

“We have a very efficient and well-established team and the clinic runs at full capacity most days,” Ms Lee said. 

“The average wait time from making an appointment is 24-48 hours but patients are often able to get in the same day that they phone.” 

Ms Lee said the clinic had recently included an ear micro suction service. 

“We also provide a halter monitor service and Advanced Care Directive support and now we have a sexual reproductive hub each Thursday.” 

Grampians Health Clinical Director Ambulatory and Primary Care Bruce Sanderson congratulation the Stawell Medical Centre team on its milestone. 

“The team is one of the best I have worked with, competent, committed and truly focused on the best care possible for their patients,” Mr Sanderson said. 

“We can all be assured that the next 70 years will be just as good.”