After the shock closure of Bridgewater’s only medical centre was announced last month, a federal Tasmanian MP says a solution ‘has been found’.
Greenpoint Medical Centre is scheduled to shut in December after current operators IPN deemed the northern suburbs service “unsustainable”.
Federal Member for Lyons Brian Mitchell, who knew about the impending closure for more than a year, believes the clinics current 8,000 patients will soon have a positive result.
Sharing the news on Friday afternoon, Mitchell said after a “number of discussions” with stakeholders during the week, he is “very confident an alternative provider has now been identified”.
He said negotiations were “ongoing” but hoped to be able to share “some very positive news in the days ahead”.
“I’d like to thank everyone who’s worked so hard to find a solution and ensure vital GP services continue in Bridgewater.”
“A lot of people have put a lot of work into this behind the scenes … and it is very much appreciated.”
Bridgewater’s “unsustainable” Greenpoint Medical Centre to close for good
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.”
