Practice made perfect
GETTING sick and seeking treatment in Coffs is about to become less traumatic for a sizable slab of the population.
One of the city's oldest and busiest medical practices is getting a significant makeover thanks to a $550,000 Federal Government grant.
The Coffs Harbour Medical Centre opposite the Memorial Pool has been recognised for its outstanding contribution as a teaching practice.
Practice manager Sue Tempone said it's hoped the $800,000 revamp will make it a more enticing place for doctors to train and practice.
"We'll be enlarging the centre into the car park to incorporate three more consulting rooms and also a training space where interns will be able to continue their education and access lectures via high speed internet," Ms Tempone said.
"The centre has served the city well since 1977 but with nine doctors, 13 staff and between 30,000 and 40,000 patients on the books, it no longer meets our needs.
"Moving from our prime city centre position was never an option, so over the next six months we'll be bringing the building up to date.
"That will mean some juggling as consulting rooms are periodically closed."
Ms Tempone said the addition of a lift will be a central feature of the makeover.
"When it's finished it will be much better for patients and staff and it will also make Coffs Harbour an even more attractive place for doctors to come to."
Work on the centre's makeover began on Monday and is due for completion in early November.
