April 18, 2022
LOCUM DOCTOR IN KATHERINE
The Blugibbon Emergency Medicine team, along with some of our Locum Doctors, recently had some unforgettable experiences in the Top End. We had the pleasure of adventuring to Darwin, Palmerston and Katherine and met with each hospital’s Emergency Department team along with enjoying what the locations had to offer over two days. First up was Katherine.
We were overwhelmed by the hospitality of the people in the hospital being so friendly and welcoming but also many of the nearby local attractions.
We were overwhelmed by the hospitality of the people in the hospital being so friendly and welcoming but also many of the nearby local attractions.
WHAT IS THE TEAM LIKE?
LOCUM
A lot of locum Doctors and nurses rotate through here so they will be used to getting plenty of questions. Katherine is a very interesting place to work, particularly if you have an interest in Indigenous health or tropical medicine. The team is small and works well together. Most of the nurses are very experienced. During the day, there is supervision from a FACEM, rural GP, or GP anaesthetist. Overnight there is one doctor covering ED and the wards, with a specialist on call. The team is social and there are always activities being planned.
BG TEAM
The team at Katherine were super helpful and friendly, as well as the FACEM in charge, who clearly takes pride in all of her team and department, from the reception staff to Doctors, Nurses and support team.
TELL US ABOUT THE SETUP OF THE HOSPITAL AND SUPPORT FOR A LOCUM DOCTOR IN KATHERINE?
LOCUM
There is a local Indigenous health service in town which has several outpatient services.
BG TEAM
There is 24/7 ambulance support provided by St John’s Ambulance, 24/7 medical and registered nurse coverage, but no high dependency or intensive care unit. They do have a CT, general x-ray and ultrasound, point of care testing in the ED, as well as onsite pathology with on-call.
There is a lovely little cafe on site and as expected, the staff were superb. Ask for Michelle, she is an absolute diamond. Her salads were tremendous. The department is equipped enough for the high acuity of Emergency presentations they see on a daily basis. On an average day you would see around 10 patients, these mostly being indigenous with chronic care needs. A passion for indigenous health is considered a must.
We were lucky enough to meet the team behind the department, Carolyn Adams, Manager of Medical Administration and the Director of Medical Services, both reinforcing our already high opinion of Katherine Hospital.
WHAT DOES THE TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION LOOK LIKE FOR A LOCUM DOCTOR IN KATHERINE?
LOCUM
BG TEAM
The hospital is an accredited six-bed non-specialist medical, diagnostic and treatment facility servicing the Katherine region and surrounding remote areas, covering an area of approximately 340,000 km2 between the Western Australia and Queensland borders, and extending as far as Dunmarra to the south, and Pine Creek to the north. The population is around 19,000 people with an annual tourist presence of more than 500,000 visitor nights. We drove from Darwin to Katherine, making sure to top up our fuel as there is not much to see on the way apart from the roadkill. We suggest being mindful of your speed to try and protect yourself and these precious animals.ANY LOCAL’S INSIDE INFORMATION TO SHARE? BEST SWIMMING SPOTS? LOOKOUTS? BIKE OR WALK TRAILS?
LOCUM
Katherine hot springs are just a few minutes from town and a great place for a swim. If you have a little longer, visit Mataranka hot springs and bitter springs, about a one hour drive south.
Litchfield National Park , which is between Katherine and Darwin, is great for a day or overnight trip. If you are visiting in the dry season, I recommend spending a few days in Kakadu national park , which is a great place to see ancient artworks and to go looking for crocodiles.
BG TEAM
Before your shift starts in Katherine, we concur that you have to visit the hot springs. It’s one of the most amazing natural thermal springs we have ever seen, just beautiful.
On one morning before a meeting, we took a 30 minute helicopter ride over the Katherine Gorge, arriving there at 8am and being greeted by the legendary Pilot Josh.
10% discount for the KG20 and KG30 flights, if you say you work for BG
Josh has been there for two years, previously living on the Sunshine Coast. You could tell by the way Josh’s eyes sparkled that he had a huge passion for helicopters, his job and his cute dog Jake who also made it even more special!
35 minutes of pure paradise left us speechless, flying over four different waterfalls, Katherine Gorge and the most beautiful scenery. Josh gave us so much insight into Katherine’s different climate with the wet and dry seasons, crocodiles in the area, local buffalos, and the 67km hike that takes place over three days.
If you want to take your very own helicopter flight across Katherine we have teamed up with Heli Spirit to offer our Locum Doctors 10% off their ride! You can call Josh direct and mention Blugibbon before booking.
If you want to take your very own helicopter flight across Katherine we have teamed up with Heli Spirit to offer our Locum Doctors 10% off their ride! You can call Josh direct and mention Blugibbon before booking.
TOWN AMENITIES? SHOPS, COFFEE TIPS FOR A LOCUM DOCTOR IN KATHERINE?
LOCUM
BG TEAM
For accommodation, Katherine Motel offers a discount for Doctors, a great place to stay. Prem and his wife are the best hosts. The accommodation is clean with all the amenities for a comfortable night’s sleep. They have an Indian restaurant on site too that serves up authentic Indian food at good prices.
WOULD YOU GO BACK TO KATHERINE AS A LOCUM DOCTOR?
LOCUM
BG TEAM
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