Patonga medical service closes

A medical service provided in Patonga for 40 years by a Umina GP is being withdrawn due to a shortage of doctors.

Dr John Caska has announced he will no longer be able to provide his monthly medical consultation service at Patonga due to taking on more responsibilities at the Peninsula Medical Centre in Umina.

Dr Caska said he had provided the service to the people of Patonga for over 40 years initially in association with his father Dr Joe Caska.

Dr Caska said the sudden departure of one of the doctors had required him to take on extra sessions that would not allow him to attend Patonga.

"We have not been able to find a replacement and doctors now prefer to work with direct access to computers and the support and facilities of dedicated consulting rooms," said Dr Caska.

"I assure all patients that they can all be consulted and treated at our Bullion St rooms.

"I have enjoyed my time in Patonga and have had the good fortune to get to know many of you very well," Dr Caska said in a letter he sent out to the Patonga Progress Association.

"I am truly sorry I have to stop this service especially at such short notice," he said.

Letter, 4 July 2011 John Caska, Peninsula Medical Centre