A new provider has agreed to take over the local after-hours GP service in Hobart’s northern suburbs to ensure health care is available outside of business hours.
Doctors After Hours will fill the void left by the pending closure of After Hours Doctor clinic from June 1.
Minister for Health Guy Barnett said the state government had worked with local providers to find a solution and to ensure a seamless transition.
“We understand how important having access to an after-hours GP service is for people in Hobart’s northern suburbs and we have acted quickly to secure this positive outcome,” he said.
“This will ensure the community is not left without this important primary health service when the existing clinic closes its doors at the end of May.”
Barnett criticised the Federal Government’s “repeated failures” with local GP services, highlighting previous interventions to save practices in St Marys, Bridgewater and East Devonport.
“[This] once again demonstrates our commitment to ensure Tasmanians have access to GP services,” he said.
“It’s also further evidence of the demand for more Urgent Care Clinics in Tasmania … we will continue to press our case to get our fair share.”
Following incorrect reports that the neighbouring Amiens clinic was closing and taking over the after-hours practice, the clinic took to social media to say this was not the case.
“We would like to clarify that our clinic is not closing down,” they said.
“While the Amiens Clinic fully supports the opening of the new after hours service within the Northcare Health Centre, we are not directly involved with the business itself.”
