Community & Business
22 September, 2021
New look clinic looks to boost Mareeba health care services
GREATER heath care options are on the horizon for Mareeba residents with Mareeba and Communities Family Healthcare taking their first steps to secure better services for the town.
GREATER heath care options are on the horizon for Mareeba residents with Mareeba and Communities Family Healthcare taking their first steps to secure better services for the town.
The new not-for-profit social enterprise took over ownership of the Mareeba Medical Clinic in May of this year with the support and co-operation of Dr Grant Manypenny and his wife Merril.
Now four months on from taking over the reins, the newlook Mareeba Medical Clinic and board consisting of dedicated locals, is taking steps to bring more health services to the Mareeba district.
“Dr Manypenny remains as the clinic’s principal doctor and the board receives advice from him on a regular basis,” board chairman Ross Cardillo said.
“Louise Livingstone has also been instrumental in the progress of our endeavours to improve health services.
“Initially a member of the Board, she continues to work with us on a current Primary Health Network (PHN) project in alcohol, drug and mental health awareness involving both Mareeba and Atherton health service providers.”
Attracting more medical professionals to the area is a high priority item for Mareeba and Communities Family Healthcare, they even had a recent meeting with a James Cook University representative to gain an insight into the field.
A shining example of a young and thriving medical professional in Mareeba is Dr Samuel Nastasi who was born and bred in Mareeba.
Dr Nastasi studied dentistry at James Cook University before returning home to live and work in his hometown.
Dr Nastasi is a part owner of My Mareeba Dentist and has recently joined the Mareeba and Communities Family Healthcare Board to share his knowledge and support for bettering local health care services.
“We welcome Samuel to the board, he brings his knowledge in dentistry and his experience in owning and operating a successful health services practice,” Mr Cardillo said.
“As a local Samuel also has intimate knowledge and understanding of our community and our needs.
“We hope that more young people who choose a Health Services profession return to Mareeba.”
