IF DOCTOR Adel Habashy does not vacate the Bulahdelah Medical Centre on his own accord he will be evicted by Great Lakes Council which own the building.
Bulahdelah has been without a full time GP and visiting medical officer for the Bulahdelah Hospital for more than nine months since Dr Habashy went on sick leave. He is now working at a medical practice in Sydney and is yet to inform the community as to when, or if, he is planning to return to Bulahdelah.
The move comes after the District Health Committee requested the council make the surgery and adjoining building available to help recruit new doctors to town.
"Dr Habashy's resumption of his previous role, and his occupation of the doctors surgery premises and residence is definitely preventing the recruitment of a new doctor(s) at this time," the council's manager of community services Andrew Braybrook said in his report. Dr Habashy has not been actively using the buildings but both contain his furnishings, property and equipment. The council is also considering carrying out $40,000 worth of renovations to the residence including replacing the kitchen, bathroom and re-painting and re-carpeting throughout. It is proposed that future rental agreements do not provide exclusive use of the surgeries to just one doctor but enable multiple doctors to use the surgery.
"This may well suit Dr Habashy if he wishes to return on a part time basis in the future," Mr Braybrook said.