A community in Hobart’s Northern Suburbs has been left outraged after their local medical centre made the decision to shut for good in just three months time.
Bridgewater’s Greenpoint Medical Centre will close on December 8 after more than two decades of service to the community.
Operator IPN say they are currently “faced with challenges” that have made it “unsustainable” for them to continue in Bridgewater, but did not specify what those challenges were.
“We understand that our closure will pose challenges for patients who will require a new care provider,” IPN said.
“We want to assure you that continuity of care, and your well-being remains our top concern throughout this transition.”
It is understood two doctors are currently working at Greenpoint, the only General Practice in the Bridgewater area besides nearby Aboriginal community-controlled Kutalayna Health.
Members of the community have taken to social media to voice their concerns about the decision, which they say will ’cause concern and distress for a lot of people, especially those that don’t drive,’ in the area.
A patient of 25 years called the decision “absolutely ridiculous” and questioned “where do we go now?”
The Primary Health Directory shows just one nearby GP, Brighton’s Bedford Street Medical Centre, as currently accepting new patients.
Brighton Regional Doctors, Claremont Medical Centre and Ochre Medical Centre Claremont are all listed as not accepting new patients.
IPN say they are “happy to provide [current patients] with information regarding healthcare providers in the area who, according to their website, are accepting new patients.”
Federal Lyons MP Brian Mitchell said the news of the closure was “devastating to the 8000 locals on the books and the wider Bridgewater community”.
“The 2 GPs at the clinic, Chris and Bridget, and the team of nurses and other staff, have been incredible over the years and I know their dedication has been deeply appreciated,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell said he was “hearing different things” about the reason behind the clinics closure.
“[Ive heard] that the clinic hasn’t been making enough money for the national group, that it’s been very difficult to recruit new doctors, etc.”
“I’m seeking more information and will endeavour with my colleagues at the federal and state level to seek solutions.”
