NEW England Medicare Local closed its doors on Tuesday to make way for a new Primary Health Network (PHN).
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The PHN will cover the Hunter, New England and Central Coast regions.
New CEO Richard Nankervis said the “large and diverse region” would pose a significant challenge, but “a great opportunity as well”.
The rapid change had left staff in limbo, and Mr Nankervis said recruitment was ongoing and the number of how many staff would go was unclear even as the doors of the new organisation swung open.
Outgoing CEO of NEML Graeme Kershaw said he was proud to be part of an organisation that had improved the health of the community.
He said key achievements of the service were securing visiting medical specialists, mental health services for people suffering anxiety and depression, significant work with members of the Aboriginal community who suffer very serious chronic disease, as well as allied health and primary health nurses who got out in the community to connect local people to healthcare.
FMr Nankervis said in the crucial first few months, staff would be finalised and GP-led clinical councils would be set up.
NEML services will be continued under new organisation Healthwise, established to plug the gap during the transition to a PHN.
