Health care fears for Clermont as vital doctors surgery lease is not renewed
A North Queensland town faces an uncertain health care future after its doctors surgery failed to renew its lease, prompting calls for urgent federal intervention to save regional medical services.
The Clermont Doctors Surgery will not have its lease renewed, creating uncertainty for a small regional community fighting for adequate health care.
Federal Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry, said the loss of the surgery lease was alarming for a town that had long fought to keep a doctor.
“It is already incredibly difficult to attract doctors to regional and remote communities,” Ms Landry said, adding doctors were being put straight into metropolitan areas.
“Clermont is fighting an uphill battle and losing another doctor could leave residents without the continuity of care they deserve.”
Ms Landry called on the federal government to review regional incentive settings and prioritise health care access for rural communities.
“Regional Australians deserve the same level of health care as those in the cities, not scraps. Labor must fix this mess before more towns like Clermont are left without a GP,” she said.
Mackay Hospital and Health Service chief executive Sean Birgan said the service was committed to providing health care to the Clermont community.
“The health service offered to work with Dr Lane to explore alternative opportunities for the continued operation of the general practice clinic,” Mr Birgan said.
“We respect Dr Lane’s decision not to accept this.
“While general practice services fall under the responsibility of the Commonwealth, we remain committed to exploring opportunities for the continued operation of a GP clinic and this has been confirmed during meetings held both in Clermont and Mackay.”
Mr Birgan said he had met with members of Clermont Connect and had reconfirmed a shared commitment to work together to support a sustainable general practice for the community.
“Clermont Hospital continues to provide emergency care and will always prioritise our sickest and most vulnerable patients,” he said.
Ms Landry said the situation reflected broader pressures facing rural health care.
“The federal health minister’s decision to expand distribution priority area locations and changes to the Modified Monash Model are draining medical professionals away from the bush,” she said.
“Incredibly, areas like Noosa and Surfers Paradise have been given full priority status, while communities like Clermont are left scrambling for doctors.
“Australia is short around 2400 GPs, and despite Labor’s promises, it has never been more expensive to see a doctor.
“Out-of-pocket costs are now over $50 per visit, and health inflation has soared 15 per cent.”
Ms Landry called on the federal government to review regional incentive settings and prioritise health care access for the bush.
