Bathurst Health Service has boosted its senior medical workforce, with the appointment of new Medical Oncologist Dr James Todd.

Regional Health Minister Ryan Park said Dr Todd’s expertise and experience is a huge gain for the Bathurst community.

“Attracting skilled and experienced clinicians to our regional and rural areas is always a challenge but one that I am committed to addressing,” Mr Park said.

“Dr Todd brings a wealth of experience with him and he will be a wonderful addition to the team at Bathurst Health Service, which serves its local community with care and compassion.”

Labor spokesperson for Bathurst, Stephen Lawrence, said Dr Todd’s appointment was welcome news for local patients who required cancer treatment.

“Being able to receive world-class treatment close to home is a huge comfort when you’re facing a cancer diagnosis,” Mr Lawrence said.

Bathurst Health Service’s Director of Medical Service, Dr Marco Metelo, said the facility’s leadership team has been working hard to attract and secure more healthcare workers, including doctors, to the hospital.

“I am very happy to introduce Dr James Todd to the community. Dr Todd is a medical oncologist and has extensive experience working in both metro and regional areas,” Dr Metelo said.

“Dr Todd joining our medical team will help us to continue to provide high-quality, safe and timely care and treatment to patients facing cancer diagnoses in the region.”

Dr Todd has worked in Western Sydney, and completed his Medical Oncology training at Westmead, Blacktown and Nepean Hospitals. Dr Todd has also completed his PhD at the Westmead Institute for Medical Research, studying the use of patients own immune cells to recognise and kill cancer.

“I am very excited to be making the permanent switch from Sydney. I look forward to bringing my skills and knowledge to the area and working with the friendly and experienced team to deliver essential services for the community,” Dr Todd said.

“I have worked in Orange and Bathurst for short periods since I started my oncology training almost 10 years ago.

“Since finishing my training, I have been focusing on treating patients with breast and gynaecological cancers.”

Bathurst Health Service’s General Manager, Jo Holden, said the hospital’s entire workforce is committed to providing the best care possible for the Bathurst community and Dr Todd will play an important role in that.

“With one of Dr Todd’s focus areas on breast cancers, it is a timely reminder for women who are aged over 50 to book a breast screen,” Ms Holden said.

“And all women should regularly check themselves for any changes and contact their GP if they have any concerns because early detection can save lives.”

To book a breast screen appointment you can call 13 20 50 or book online for a free breast screen at Bathurst (BreastScreen NSW).