The East Devonport Medical Centre is no longer facing permanent closure, thanks to the successful efforts of the local community who rallied to save it.
The north-west centre is set to reopen within two months, reinstating the only GP clinic for residents east of the Mersey River in Devonport.
Health Minister Guy Barnett said the state government would step in and provide necessary assistance to ensure the medical centre could reopen as a standalone facility.
“It is frankly disappointing the state government has again had to step in to save another practice as the Federal Labor Government continues to fail in its obligations to support general practitioners across our state,” Barnett said, referring to recent closures of medical centres in Bridgewater and St Helens.
“We have worked hand-in-hand with the local community … to achieve this solution. I want to thank all those who have supported that effort, and to the wider community for their input and ongoing patience.”
Labor MP and Shadow Health Minister Anita Dow said the solution “wouldn’t have been reached” without the community of East Devonport.
“While it’s taken him six months in the role to work it out, it’s refreshing that Mr Barnett has finally accepted that as Minister for Health he has a responsibility for ensuring Tasmanians can access healthcare,” she said.
“Hopefully he will bring more of this approach to addressing other serious issues in Tasmania’s health system, rather than attempting to shift the blame to the Federal government.”
