The impending closure of a general practice clinic in Derwent Park will put even more pressure on the already stressed emergency department at the Royal Hobart Hospital, the Shadow Health Minister is warning.
Better Medical’s After Hours Doctor service is scheduled to close by the end of the month, making it harder for locals to access after-hours medical care.
The pending closure is the latest to impact a clinic in Tasmania and follows others in Risdon Vale, St Marys, Bridgewater, East Devonport and Lauderdale.
Health Minister Guy Barnett acknowledged concerns about the closure and said he had written to the Federal Minister for assistance.
But his Labor shadow said the state government “cannot blame this” on the Federal Government when they were not ‘doing their bit’ to attract and retain GPs.
“All Tasmanians deserve decent health care but, instead, they are finding themselves with fewer and fewer options as more doctor’s practices close their doors,” Ella Haddad said.
“One thing they could do right now is to support our health workers by exempting GP contractors from a payroll tax to provide more certainty to practices and keep patient costs down.”
“The health crisis requires urgent action so that all Tasmanians can get the health care they need and deserve.”
Better Medical says patients will be able to access their nearby clinic at Rosny.
