Huon Valley News

Huon Valley Council welcomes new GPs to Geeveston

Huon Valley Council is delighted to welcome husband-and-wife team Dr Terry Lyons and Dr Geraldine MacCarrick to the Huon Valley Council Medical Services family.

Dr Lyons and Dr MacCarrick will be joining Dr Angela Retchford and the team at the Geeveston Medical Centre.

Dr Lyons is returning to the practice following a working holiday around Australia in 2019. An RCSI (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland) graduate, Dr Lyons arrived in Australia in 1989 following his work in Ireland, the UK and the Middle East. He has since worked in most states and territories of Australia, including Tasmania, and says he is delighted to be back in the Huon Valley. Dr Lyons’ most recent post was Director of Medical Services in a Central Queensland regional hospital.

Dr Geraldine MacCarrick is a Tasmanian graduate (class of ‘88) and a senior Medical Administrator and GP who has a long history with the Tasmanian School of Medicine, where she is an Adjunct Professor in Medical Education. She too has worked in Ireland and many states of Australia, as well as the RAAF.

“Dr Lyons and Dr MacCarrick bring a wealth of experience and expertise with them, and we are delighted that they have chosen to join the team at the Geeveston Medical Centre.”

Dr Lyons and Dr MacCarrick have one daughter, Róisín, who is studying medicine interstate. They enjoy boating, kayaking, walking and music and are currently renovating their home in the Valley.

“Dr Lyons and Dr MacCarrick bring a wealth of experience and expertise with them, and we are delighted that they have chosen to join the team at the Geeveston Medical Centre,” said Huon Valley Council Mayor Bec Enders.

As our community navigates the current health crisis, Cr Enders urges residents to continue to access their usual health care through their local practice during COVID-19.

“Medical services are essential, so we should all be keeping our normal, routine appointments,” said Cr Enders. “Local practices have strict measures in place to protect the health and safety of staff and patients.

“When you make an appointment with your GP, you may be offered telehealth, which means your appointment can be held over the phone. If you do need to come in for an appointment, staff will give you instructions to make sure your visit to the centre is a safe one for everyone involved.

“In many cases, your practice can arrange to have your prescription available for pick up at your local pharmacy.”

Geeveston Medical Centre is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 5:30pm, and can be contacted on 6297 1903.

Dover Medical Centre is also open from Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:30pm. Please call 6298 1222 to make an appointment.

“We thank the community for their patience during this anxious time as we all make changes to meet the challenges of this health crisis,” said Cr Enders.

“If you do feel unwell, stay home, and contact your GP or the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738. Testing for COVID-19 is now available for all Tasmanians through a referral from a GP or the Public Health Hotline.”