Rivergum Rural Health Hub has been offered the lease by Edward River Council.
Chief applicant was existing Ochre Health doctor Ian Carey, who will partner with doctors Ben and Rachel James, who have been working with the Deniliquin Clinic in George St since arriving in Deniliquin.
Partnering with them to run the practice will be Dr Carey’s wife and long-term local Caitlin Morona, who will be CEO.
The partners have already confirmed two Ochre Health doctors will remain with them after the transition.
Edward River Council said the lease agreement secures the ongoing operation of the practice and the retention of its existing workforce.
It follows an independent assessment process involving four independent medical representatives, with Rivergum selected from four expressions of interest.
Ms Morona said the team was proud to have been chosen to lead the centre into the future.
“Rivergum Rural Health is locally owned and doctor led,” she said.
“Our focus is on ensuring Deniliquin has a stable, high-quality medical centre that the community can rely on for many years to come.”
Ms Morona also paid tribute to the current clinic workforce and welcomed the continuation of existing doctors at the practice.
“We would like to sincerely thank the current clinic staff, with particular thanks to our new doctors, Dr Sammani and Dr Karo.
“Their professionalism and commitment to patients throughout a significant period of change has been outstanding, and we are very pleased that they will be continuing with the practice.
“Their experience and relationships with patients are central to a smooth transition.”
A key priority for Rivergum will be ensuring continuity of care for existing patients during the transition.
“While our long-term aim is to actively welcome new patients, we want to assure existing patients that they will continue to be cared for by the same doctors and staff from day one, with no disruption to their existing treatment,” Ms Morona said.
The organisation has outlined plans to progressively introduce a walk-in clinic, expand residential aged care services and urgent care consultations, and strengthen women's health, paediatric and chronic disease services.
Rivergum also intends to recruit a nurse practitioner and begin a campaign to attract new registrar doctors from mid next year.
“We aim to build a centre that attracts visiting specialists and allied health professionals and supports the training of the next generation of rural doctors,” Ms Morona said.
Edward River Council Mayor Ashley Hall said the appointment represented a positive outcome for the community.
“We're absolutely delighted with this outcome,” Cr Hall said.
“Council is confident that these experienced local doctors will provide a foundation of growth for the Medical Centre and allow existing patients to be well cared for by doctors they know.
“A key factor in the success of Rivergum's application is that the group will not only provide continuity of care, but also actively recruit new medical staff and bring new services to support our community into the future.”
Outgoing operator Ochre Health has also endorsed the transition, with executive Patrick Dwyer confirming the organisation will continue operating the clinic until the handover is completed.
“We will ensure there is a seamless handover and keep our operations going to allow time for Rivergum to complete a smooth onboarding period including the transfer of patient records.
“Patients will continue to see their Doctors, so they can rest assured that the same level of care will continue without interruption.”
Ms Morona acknowledged Ochre Health's contribution to local healthcare and its support during the transition process.
“We thank Ochre Health for its service to the Deniliquin community and for its cooperation in working with us towards an orderly handover for patients and staff,” Ms Morona said.
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