After the only doctor in St Marys resigned earlier this month, Tasmania’s Health Minister has announced a new medical provider for the small east coast town.
Dr Cyril Latt had been the town’s doctor for sixteen years and officially let the Tasmanian Health Service know he was leaving in mid-August, something that had been worrying locals for over a year.
Dr Latt ran a private bulk billed GP service and also staffed the town’s emergency services department, taking care of more than 1800 patients.
Speaking to ABC News earlier this month, Dr Latt said the workload was ‘out of control’ and he was at high risk of burnout.
“I’m the only doctor for the emergency department 24/7, 365 days a year,” he said.
“My family lives in Launceston and I have two kids in Hobart, and I can’t see them … I see them on school holidays so roughly three times a year,” he said.
Health Minister Guy Barnett has confirmed that starting from October 2, Ochre Health will fill Dr Latt’s place at the St Marys Community Health Centre.
Ochre currently operate 17 clinics across Tasmania, from Flinders Island to Bridport, Cygnet and nearby St Helens.
“The Tasmanian Government is extremely pleased with this timely outcome and we will work to ensure continuity of health services for the community of St Marys and the surrounding areas,” Minister Barnett said.
He also said that the government is committed to keeping the St Marys Community Health Centre open and making sure people can get the right medical care when and where they need it.
“Rural and regional communities are the life blood of Tasmania and we are committed to leading a strong primary health care reform in conjunction with the Australian Government and Primary Health Tasmania that delivers innovative solutions.”
The transition to Ochre Health will be “smooth” and take place in the coming weeks.
The handling of Dr Latt’s resignation had previously drawn criticism from the Labor party, who said he had been “let down badly” by the State Government.
“Disgracefully they have not provided Dr Latt with the necessary support and have taken him for granted,” Labor Leader Rebecca White, Shadow Minister for Health Anita Dow and Lyons MP Jen Butler said in a joint statement.
“Dr Latt has been operating without support for 10 years in the St Marys community and surrounds.”
“This has meant Dr Latt has worked 80 hours a week, 7 days a week, for 10 years.”
The party said while today’s announcement was “a welcome first step, it is nothing more than a band-aid solution”.
“The reality is that the people of St Marys and surrounds still do not have a permanent GP.”
“As the current Minister for Mental Health, the Premier must explain why he thought it was appropriate for former GP Dr Cyril Latt to operate without support for 10 years, often working an 80-hour week, 7 days a week, without seeing his family.”
