Mr Abbott arrived in Bulahdelah as part of the Pollie Pedal, a charity event organised by the Minister to help raise money for and create awareness of breast cancer.

However, shortly after arriving in town Mr Abbott addressed the assembled citizens and promised to secure a second provider number for the district.

Mr Abbott said upon meeting with the Bulahdelah public, he now knew it was essential that the town receive a second doctor to take some of the load off local GP Dr Adel Habashy.

Dr Habashy, who has been based in Bulahdelah for 17 years, is the town's only qualified physician.

Not only does the doctor run his own practice, but he also services the local hospital and Great Lakes nursing home.

The doctor, who is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, also provides medical services for those living on Bulahdelah's outskirts.

Mr Abbott's announcement came none too soon for the doctor and members of the community who have been pushing for a second provider number for some time.

"It's a good outcome, an excellent outcome," Dr Habashy said.

"I've been pushing for this for a while and finally it's happened."

The Nota will continue to follow the story and provide further details as they come to light.