Doctor Natalie Cook takes extended leave, forcing Calliope Medical Centre to close its doors

Hundreds of patients at a Central Queensland medical centre are currently seeking alternative arrangements, following its closure due to the doctor going on “extended leave”.

A Central Queensland medical centre employee says she is terrified, after receiving abuse and threats both over the phone and in person following the centre’s unforeseen closure.

The employee, who will remain anonymous for safety reasons, said Doctor Natalie Cook took extended leave which has forced Calliope Medical Centre to shut its doors.

“We were unable to get a replacement doctor which left us with no choice but to close our doors,” she said.

What the employee was not expecting was the wave of torrid abuse and threats against her and the practice after she was informed of its closure on Wednesday.

“Unfortunately people are not very nice and I’ve been receiving nasty comments, people are very volatile around the fact we are closing,” she said.

“People don’t need much of an excuse and they will target whoever they feel is closest to them, it is worrying when you’re being yelled at and abused.”

Dr Natalie Cook was the first full time GP at the Calliope Medical centre for years.

The Calliope Medical Centre owners had not given the employee any indication as to when the centre would be able to reopen at the time of publication.

“All that I can say at this stage is that the closure is for the foreseeable future,” she said.

“I knew we had been trying to find a doctor to replace Doctor Cook, however, the owner’s attempts were unsuccessful.

“These are circumstances beyond our control, unfortunately, it is a terrible situation.

“We fought very hard to get a medical centre in Calliope and we are devastated that it has come to this.”

Dr Cook moved from Russia in 2011 and was named Calliope’s first full-time GP in years when she was appointed there in 2019.

Dr Cook said at the time she was looking forward to working in all areas and with all age groups.

“I’m really excited to be here and I’m planning to stay here long term,” Dr Cook said.

The Calliope Medical Centre released a statement on Friday regarding its closure.

“With sadness, we advise that the Calliope Medical Centre will be closing on the 15th January 2022,” the statement read.

“Unfortunately we do not have a GP to service the surgery leading up to that time, so our doors will be closed.

“We have appreciated the support of the Calliope community and have tried our best to keep the Practice running for as long as we were able.

“Patient files are connected to the Gladstone Practice, so please be assured that the continuity of care for your health needs is available at this location.

“For further information or to make an appointment at the Gladstone Practice, please call 4978 7868.

“You will also see the familiar faces of the Calliope admin and nursing staff at this location also.”

The Calliope Medical Centre went into voluntary administration in September 2017 due to difficulty hiring and retaining qualified medical practitioners.

The centre reopened as a branch of the GP SuperClinic in 2018 as an allied health service and had to wait nearly a year before hiring Dr Cook.