An international assortment of talented medical professionals have taken up work at Griffith's hospital and are loving life in the Riverina.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Over the past few months, four new clinical staff have been employed at Griffith Base Hospital, including a new general surgeon, obstetrician, and midwives.
Their arrival coincides with that of the hospital's new general manager Suchit Handa, who said the wave of new clinicians marked a progressive time for the centre.
"It's a very exciting time for the base," Mr Handa said. "We've got a lot of fresh blood and new ideas coming in every day and we're going to be working with the wider team to deliver the best patient care we can."
Marlene Bothma, the hospital's new obstetrician and gynaecologist, was the first of the new wave to join and says she couldn't believe how welcoming the community has been.
"The best thing has been the people by far," Dr Bothma said. "I came with my husband and four children and everyone we've met has just been so supportive and helpful."
It's not just about providing a clinical service but also about providing a positive experience they will remember
- Marlene Bothma, Griffith Base Hospital obstetrician and gynaecologist
Having moved from Johannesburg in South Africa, the MIA is no doubt quite a drastic change in scenery for Dr Bothma, however the move to a smaller town has only strengthened her desire to provide above and beyond care.
"I have worked in a big city and a big hospital and I think the big thing about coming here is I want to make a positive contribution to the women I treat," she said.
"Birthing is such a special experience and so it's not just about providing a clinical service but also about providing a positive experience they will remember."
This sentiment was echoed by the hospital's new director of nursing and midwifery, Kat Schwerin.
Having worked in the UK, South Africa, and Germany before settling in Sydney, Ms Schwerin is no stranger to settling into new environments.
She said she hopes to be able to use her experience at hospitals undergoing major upgrades to help guide Griffith Base Hospital through the $250 million redevelopment.
"I've gone through major redevelopments before so I should bring the lessons I've learned across the Griffith just to make sure we really get it right from day one and involve the community," Ms Schwerin said.
READ MORE
Also joining the team at the hospital is midwife Hilary Fitzgerald and general surgeon Zainab Naseem.
After swapping the rolling hills of Scotland for the irrigation channels and wineries of the MIA, Mrs Fitzgerald said she was keen to make Griffith her home and see how the hospital could transform over the next few years.
"We've come to Griffith to settle and that's been made easier by how the children have fitted into good schools and also because my husband is a chef so he loves it here," she laughed.
"We've come to stay and I think if people continue to come here with that intention, to stay and make Griffith home, then I think the base is only going to benefit."
Dr Naseem's arrival in Griffith has been welcomed by the local community, who have been excited by the news of a third general surgeon at the hospital.
By upping the hospital's number of surgeons, Dr Naseem has helped ensure less local patients have to travel to Wagga or Albury for their surgeries.
She is also loving the wide breadth of experience which comes with operating at a regional centre.
"As a younger surgeon I am getting to see things that I would never get to see if I was at a bigger hospital and that has been really good," Dr Naseem said.
"Everyone at the hospital has been very collegial and across the town everyone is so welcoming and they get very excited when they hear I am the new surgeon in town."
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:
- Bookmark www.areanews.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News