Kingaroy Medical Centre announces June 30 closure
A bulk-billing South Burnett medical centre has confirmed it has made the “uncomfortable decision” to close after being unable to attract doctors.
South Burnett
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A Kingaroy GP clinic will close within weeks after being unable to recruit two doctor positions which had been advertised since 2019.
Kingaroy Medical Centre has confirmed its only doctor, Dr Banerjee, will finish on June 30 after the clinic made the “uncomfortable decision” to close.
The practice opened in May 2020 and offers bulk billing services.
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“General Practice is like any small business and relies on a minimum number of consultations, unfortunately with only one doctor there is not enough income to sustain the business,” a Kingaroy Medical Centre spokesman said.
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“Since 2019, we have been unable to recruit two permanent doctors to the practice.”
Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington said the closure was a “real blow” for the South Burnett community.
“I continue to be very concerned about the ongoing shortage of general practitioners in the South Burnett as we have a high level of need in our community, like almost all of regional Queensland,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“The loss of this service places a great deal of pressure on the remaining, overworked GPs, along with our Hospitals.”
Residents have taken to social media to express their concerns.
South Burnett resident Julie Rankin said she had a four-hour return drive to see a doctor.
“It causes my body to wrack with pain due to having to sit in the car for that long,” Mrs Rankin said.
Kingaroy mother Bianca Jayne said it was terrible news.
“There are no doctors available, I can't get myself or my 3-year-old son into any other practice,” Ms Jayne said.
The Kingaroy Medical Centre said the decision deeply saddened them and they apologised for any inconvenience caused for patients.
Central Queensland Rural Health and Bunya Pines Family Practice were contacted for comment.
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