The Great Southern Star - February 10, 2015

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Star Motoring Guide ~ pages 25-27

www.thestar.com.au TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015 - $1.40

Curtain raiser LEONGATHA Lyric Theatre stalwart Colin Mitchell (centre) was thrilled with the success of Curtain Up, an exhibition of costumes and photographs officially opened at a cocktail party at Leongatha Memorial Hall on Friday night. Mr Mitchell is a Lyric life member, curator of Curtain Up and director of Lyric’s upcoming musical, Gypsy. Mr Mitchell was flanked by, from left, Lyric life members Alison McIntyre (left) and Glenys Day, and Lyric 50th year sub-committee member Nicole Cooper. More on page 6.

Community calls for Leongatha emergency department

FIRST AID EMERGENCY FUNDING PLEA

Leongatha blackout

By Brad Lester LEONGATHA Hospital is unlikely to have a fully funded emergency department anytime soon, despite patients being charged up to $60 to see a doctor there. The new hospital, opened in 2013, has an urgent care centre that is not fully staffed but still offers patients urgent medical attention. The only catch is a doctor is called to attend the hospital and patients can expect to pay a higher than usual consultation fee, depending on the treatment provided. Bills range from $30 for pensioners and under 16s, to $50 for private patients, with an extra $10 payable after 11pm. Medicare rebates are available.

Rail trail milestone

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EXPERT DENTAL SO FAST, WE’LL HAVE YOU SMILING AGAIN IN NO TIME. For immediate relief of toothache, broken fillings, hot and cold sensitivity, bad breath and swollen or bleeding gums.

Call 5662 0940 Today 1st Floor, 3 Lyon Street Leongatha

Sign petition

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SAME DAY APPOINTMENTS

SAME DAY APPOINTMENTS FOR SINGLES AND FAMILIES

South Gippslanders have told The Star they are concerned the expense could deter people from seeking medical care when they need it, and would like to see governments fund additional emergency departments at hospitals. Alan Woodbridge of Inverloch praised the quality of the staff and Leongatha Hospital. However, he said he recently wanted to take a family member to the urgent care centre but said he was advised by hospital staff to go to Wonthaggi Hospital instead to avoid a fee. “For the State Government to build a hospital of that size and quality, and not fund a doctor to be on duty for emergencies is not satisfactory, even though the patient numbers are not of the requirement,” he said. Continued on page 4.


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