After several years of adequate GP coverage in Coonabarabran, the departure of two local doctors in the coming weeks will have a significant impact on the town and outlying communities.

It was recently announced that Dr Judith Larnach will leave Coonabarabran Area Medical Centre at the end of this month, while Dr Jackson Blythe will depart Warrumbungle Medical Centre on Friday, 4 August.

The absence of both doctors will cause considerable increase in workload for the remaining doctors in town.

Warrumbungle Medical Centre practice manager, Dr Aniello Iannuzzi, said he would continue to work full-time, while Dr Jessica Yabsley would be providing some part-time telemedicine from August until she returns to the surgery in February 2024.

"Whilst we are trying to recruit new doctors, the situation around Australia is dire; there is a critical undersupply of GPs," Dr Iannuzzi said.

"With the doctor shortage in town, it is anticipated that waiting times will become significantly longer.

"We request that you plan your visits as far ahead as possible and book with plenty of prior notice.

"We understand that urgent matters arise and we do our best to accommodate urgent requests."

Dr Iannuzzi said unfortunately there would be days when no doctors would be available and the practice would be forced to close for part days or full days.

"We do our best to keep these days to a minimum and apologise for any inconvenience caused," he said.

In late October Dr Iannuzzi will be taking leave, however, Drs Verran, Dobson and Strebel, who have previously worked at the practice, will cover this period.

For more information, phone Warrumbungle Medical Centre - 02 6842 3333 or Coonabarabran Area Medical Centre - 02 6842 3366. If you cannot reach a doctor and have an urgent matter, Coonabarabran District Hospital has an emergency department open 24 hours - 02 6849 1600.