We caught up with one of our Blugibbon Locum doctors in Latrobe to learn a bit more about the location for locuming. She is a local to Tasmania and has locumed at Mersey Community Hospital a number of times so has great knowledge on the hospital and the area!

How did you settle in? Any tips for new arrivals?

Great, I already knew the system as I have worked in the Tasmania Health Service previously. I do find that the systems here are a lot easier than other states which would be good for locum doctors new to the area. They are nowhere as complex as things like Firstnet. The hospital is still paper-based otherwise in terms of prescribing meds/ obs etc. In general, the admin/ staff are all pretty good. 

What was the support for locum doctors like in the department? Anyone particularly helpful upon your arrival?

Arrival was pretty standard - present to ED and find out who the Medical Officer In-Charge is. There was good support in the department from most staff. Most of the doctors there were longterm/ returning CMOs/ VMOs who were very helpful with any questions or queries.

What specialists were on call? How was access to imaging etc?

Access to imaging is on site and accessible and efficient.There was access to plain X-rays, ultrasound scans and CTs but no MRI. The main specialty to contact on site would be gen med. Most of the gen med regs are very junior so patients needing admission can take a long time to be seen. Otherwise, other specialists/ specialty regs are either at North West Regional Hospital, Launceston General Hospital and Royal Hobart Hospital and they are all contactable via switchboard and they are happy to be contacted appropriately. 

On average, how many presentations were you dealing with each day?

I saw about 6-10 presentations per day, it is a relaxed pace. 

Any other comments on the set up of the hospital?

Most patients who need admission (apart from gen med) will need transfer to other hospitals (eg. NWRH/ LGH) and facilitation of this is not always great.

What were the best spots in town for food, coffee shopping? Share with us your favourites!

My favourite spots in the area are Empress Craft Beer Bar and Mrs Jones restaurant for food. 

Any local inside information we should know about?  Best swimming spots, lookouts, bike or walk trails?

Hawley Beach and Port Sorell nearby are definitely worth a visit 

Would you go back? If so, why? Would you recommend the location?

Yes I would recommend it to other locum doctors. There is a relaxed environment and nice staff.