A South Otago town that's been struggling with a chronic shortage of doctors has appointed two specialist nurses to boost medical services.
Clutha Health First in Balclutha is taking on the two to provide back-up for doctors in urgent cases.
It was announced last week that the community-owned organisation had secured two new doctors.
Clutha Health First, which provides hospital and GP services in the town, requires at least four full-time doctors, and up until last week was facing the serious prospect of only having one.
Manager Ray Anton says the nurses will help it maintain a seven-day-a-week medical service in Balclutha.
