On the GP Frontline
Dr Sarah McLay is putting heart back into healthcare.
Her passion, dedication and care for the residents living in the Isaac region is why she was named the Health and Wellbeing Warrior for 2023 as part of JSP Women’s Awards.
Sarah is the founder of the Clermont Country Practice (CCP) located in the Isaac region and is passionate about sustainable medical service provision in Rural Australia.
In the past year Sarah has been a voice for rural medicine and has made many sacrifices to her young family to provide care and service to the Clermont and Isaac region, during a national doctor shortage and the COVID 19 pandemic.
Sarah’s vision is to provide consistent high quality medical services to a country town in great need.
Clermont is an endearing little community with a great mix of industry, culture and historic value.
Despite its many charms, there has been an absence of consistent private health services and facilities.
Dr McLay said Clermont Country Practice will strive to provide high standard general practice services tailored for the bush. Aside from GP services the clinic will also support visiting allied health and specialists of all varieties.
Sarah has been on the frontline of developing a broad range of important medical services Clermont County Practice and improving health outcomes for many families in central QLD.
Sarah said :“Our clinic has faced many challenges over its short life. COVID19, Medical workforce shortages and attempts to unit and improve district medical services. All good things take time, over this period our
“The CCP team has shown ingenuity and resilience with a desire to carry on despite the obstacles.
“Our rural community has been the driving force behind our motivation. They are supportive, loyal and appreciative. They, like every rural community deserve consistent, quality healthcare.
Sarah said one of their only barriers is accessibility with limited doctor numbers.
“Somehow along the way I have become an advocate for General Practice and the challenge presented between a failing health sector and its interface with small private business. Both the border Australian community and the GP community need our advocacy to improve and save Medicare,” Dr McLay said.