Beechworth’s Heidi Freeman has nothing but gratitude in being treated by Albury Wodonga Health’s Dr John Stuchbery for breast cancer.

Ms Freeman said a referral by a local doctor to Dr Stuchbery had been based on the surgeon being the best in the region for treating cancer.

“After diagnosing me for cancer after finding two lumps on the xray - one the size of a 10-cent piece and the other a 20-cent piece, Dr Stuchbery gave me the confidence to go ahead with a lumpectomy,” she said.

Ms Freeman said Dr Stuchbery had explained the procedure with compassion and professionalism.

“After the procedure, I nominated to have further treatment such as a long period of chemotherapy and radiation,” she said.

“If it wasn’t for his foresight, and extreme medical wisdom, I would have only one breast.

“I can only count my lucky stars that such a knowledgeable doctor was accessible to me locally.”

The highly regarded surgeon working for 27 years with the health service has not had his Visiting Medical Officer (VMO) agreement renewed by the Albury Wodonga Health Board, without explanation.

Retired GP obstetrician Phillip Steele and deputy secretary of the Border Medical Association (BMA) has worked in Albury Wodonga for more than 40 years.

He said Dr Stuchbery’s termination at Albury Wodonga Health will be a massive loss for the district, including Indigo Shire.

“Dr Stuchbery has lived and practiced in the North East for a quarter of a century with outstanding service to the community,” he said.

“John has provided exceptional service over the years and will be very much missed.

“He has a good heart and bends over backwards for his patients.

“GPs in Indigo Shire would have the same experience in dealing with John and this loss of service at Albury Wodonga Health will be felt by public patients all around the region.

“John is also well-known for helping other surgeons when called upon for urgent care."

Dr Steele said the BMA is dismayed by the decision to terminate the surgeon.

“It’s a huge loss to the community as we don’t believe this to be fair and the decision needs to be reversed,” he said.

“It has appeared to many that speaking out in support of a new single site hospital has been one of the reasons for the contract termination.

“The development of a new hospital has been backed by a number of regional councils including Indigo Shire.”

Wooragee retired obstetrician Dr Pieter Mourik had also worked in Albury Wodonga for more than 40 years.

Dr Mourik said Indigo Shire residents in the region would also be impacted with Dr Stuchbery’s contract termination at Albury Wodonga Health.

“It’s unfair dismissal and not natural justice,” he said.

“It’s a tragedy for the North East including Indigo Shire when referrals to John come from all over the North East region.

“He covers all patients both emergency and elective surgery and is a very highly respected general surgeon.

“He is the doctor who doctors go to as well for their own health."

Dr Mourik said the AWH Board needed to reverse its decision.

Dr Stuchbery is also known for his diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer, melanoma, and non-melanoma skin cancers as well as breast cancer.

The surgeon works across public and private hospitals in Albury Wodonga including Albury Wodonga Health.

For more information visit www.bordermedical.com.au to read the BMA statement.