Murray Bridge Medical Centre celebrates ten years of service
A decade after opening its doors the Murray Bridge Medical Centre are celebrating their most monumental moments.
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Ten years ago one general practitioner, a receptionist and a part time nurse walked into the Murray Bridge Medical Centre - running the show with just three of them.
Doctor Hayan Naser, nurse Ann Dickson-Elliott and practice manager Wendy Ziersch stuck it out and as demand increased, so did the capacity, services and the team.
The goal back then was simple: offer consistent and reliable medical care to the growing regional population that needed greater access, availability and support.
Formally known as the Murray Bridge Day and Night Surgery, the centre now has a team of 11 doctors, nurses, allied health, visiting specialists and administration.
When Ms Ziersch thinks back on the beginning she recalls the small building; her office doubling as the storage room and staff office.
"When SA Ambulance moved out, we refurbished the building, adding more consult rooms, a staff room and a designated treatment room."
Soon after, they secured a federal grant to extend the clinic, replacing the lawn and adding even more consult rooms, and additional toilets and space.
Ms Dickson-Elliott recalls sneaking peaks while it was under construction but her favourite moment was in 2018.
"We were nominated for AGPAL's rural and remote general practice of the year... to be nominated, let alone getting into the top five in the country was amazing," she said.
Before and after the extension of the medical clinic. Photos: Murray Bridge Medical Centre
Most recently the centre celebrated the unveiling of two colourful murals by two Ngarrindjeri artists, which Ms Ziersch reports has been welcomed by patients.
The clinic is driven by the community need and support, she said.
"Those early years were about establishing trust with the community, building patient relationships and proving that we were here for the long term," Ms Ziersch said.
"We've come a long way."
The support of the other local medical centres has been another aspect of their success, she said.
"We're always here as an additional resource, we're not in competition at all."
The good hasn't been without the bad though.
In 2023 the practice was affected by a fire started by an arsonist; they faced smoke damage that affected consultation rooms and equipment, disrupted air quality, and closure to parts of the practice.
If this wasn't enough, flooding came through the roof during a significant rain event affecting multiple areas of the building, equipment and patient waiting areas.
The covid-19 pandemic was a time for total change and much need laughter. Photos: Murray Bridge Day and Night Surgery/Facebook
Perhaps the one that tested the clinics resilience the most was the pandemic.
“Covid-19 was truly a once-in-a-generation disruption for general practice," Ms Ziersch said.
"It didn’t just challenge us — it completely reshaped how we delivered care almost overnight."
Ms Ziersch was also overcoming personal challenges of her own, after being diagnosed with breast cancer in April 0f 2020.
"Working in a medical practice, we spend our days caring for others — but nothing prepares you for what it feels like when the medical system suddenly turns attention toward you."
Doctor Nasar said they've had some hard moments but Ms Ziersch still puts up with the team.
"I've still been seeing lots of the same patients I first saw after all these years.
"The patient loyalty is what I love most... people will show their appreciation," he said.
Ms Ziersch recognises the growing demand for healthcare not only at the Murray Bridge Medical Centre but for the whole region.
"We're going to need a bigger boat... I'm frightened that the powers-to-be aren't addressing it enough," she said.
The announcement of Gifford Hill last year, includes seven new schools and more than 17,000 homes, making Ms Ziersch question where the health plan was.
"Our current workforce is already stretched.
"The community is growing faster than the region’s ability to recruit and retain clinicians."
"The health of a growing region depends on the decisions we make today," she said.
- Book a health check: Visit Murray Bridge Medical Centre at 35-37 Adelaide Road, Murray Bridge between 8am and 9pm on weekdays, call 8531 2988 or visit www.murraybridgemedical.com.au.
Advertising to more than 20,000 highly engaged locals can do wonders for your business. Call Murray Bridge News’ Jane Intini on 0418 835 768 or email jane@murraybridge.news.
Peri Strathearn
