Dr Sunil, who has been operating the Tenterfield Health Service since the end of last year, was approached by Hunter New England Local Health District to care for the dozen residents of Emmaville's Vegetable Creek Hospital aged care facility.

READ MORE:

Although he can't admit in-patients he said he can also treat the low-level care patients at the hospital, and deal with presentations to the emergency department that occur while he's there.

Of great relief to the community is the GP Clinic he's offering from within the hospital. With no doctor in Emmaville prior to his arrival and Glen Innes GP books being full he was already seeing a lot of patients from Emmaville, Glen Innes and Deepater at his Tenterfield practice. Many of those now prefer the option of seeing him in Emmaville.

While the Emmaville practice isn't accredited for COVID vaccinations Dr Sunil said residents can receive their flu shots there.

His fortnightly visits are pretty busy with the clinic and his hospital duties, but appointments can be made by calling the Tenterfield practice on (02) 6736 3350.

He said there's potential for the clinic to operate more frequently once he reviews the situation after the Tenterfield practice completes its accreditation process in July.

Meanwhile staff at Vegetable Creek Hospital have welcomed him with opening arms, putting on a barbecue last week to show their appreciation that Dr Sunil is filling the void in the provision of medical services in the district.

Dr Sunil is happy to oblige.

"It's a nice place to work, and nice people to work with," he said.