Federal changes set to reduce GP wait times, increase bulk billing options in Ipswich

Ipswich’s dire doctor shortage could soon be addressed, with recent federal changes significantly expanding the recruitment pool for local clinics.

New federal changes will increase the number of bulk billing general practice options and decrease appointment wait times across Ipswich, doctors say.

Residents claim weeks-long wait times for a standard appointment with a general practitioner.

Ipswich resident Tammy Woodfield said she no longer bothered to see a doctor unless she “really” had to, as no clinic had been able to connect her with one in the short-term.

“I try and just get over whatever it is myself first (because) I know it’s useless trying to get into most places,” Ms Woodfield said.

Ipswich has experienced a critical lack of doctors in the past few years, which has led to weeks-long waits for standard appointments.

To get in front of her regular doctor, Ms Woodfield said she had to book an appointment three weeks in advance.

“I used to see Dr Tucker at Riverlink Medical Centre but could not make an appointment within three weeks,” she said.

“He left the practice so I started seeing a doctor at Winston Glades Medical and again waited two weeks for an appointment.

“But then on the day of my appointment I got a call to say she was sick and so I could see another doctor or to see my doctor I’d have to make another appointment – three week wait.”

Ipswich is the fastest growing local government area in Queensland.

Ms Woodfield’s experience is not an uncommon one among Ipswich residents, given they have up until now had access to a very limited pool of GPs.

A number of local doctors recently gave evidence in a senate inquiry into GP shortages, saying it was their “strong belief” that the city’s classification as a non-distribution priority area had “significantly hindered” their recruitment efforts.

“With more GPs, the practice could provide bulk billing services to the region of Ipswich seven days a week, after hours care, have greater management of our chronic disease and mental health and re-participate in the Covid-19 vaccination rollout,” they stated in their evidence.

The federal government has since decided to reclassify Ipswich as a distribution priority area, meaning the region’s 30-odd existing medical practices — and those soon to be built — will be able to recruit overseas-trained doctors and bonded medical practitioners.

Senator Paul Scarr. Picture: File

Local senator Paul Scarr said the move was “good news” for the city’s practices and patients.

“While the (distribution priority area) classification is updated each year, several local medical practices indicated they’d been hit by sudden, unexpected changes and overwhelming demand during the pandemic and had found it very difficult to recruit doctors,” he said.

“Having enough doctors is fundamental to any community and this is a good change for the Ipswich community.

“For people of all ages, from babies to the elderly, being able to see a doctor when you have an illness or injury is fundamental in our community.”

The decision to reclassify the Ipswich area followed numerous calls for review from local practices and was headed by Regional Health Minister Dr David Gillespie.