‘Waiting on provider to go public’; Bridgewater’s Greenpoint Medical Services likely to be saved

A rally to keep up pressure on government to ensure the continuance of services at a vital GP clinic has heard that MPs are optimistic a positive announcement will be made in coming weeks.

Greenpoint Medical Services patient Robin Booth at Bridgewater. Picture: Chris Kidd

Labor and Liberal politicians remain tight-lipped about a deal to save a greater Hobart GP clinic with 8000 patients, although federal Lyons MP Brian Mitchell says he is waiting on a provider to go public.

Mr Mitchell, his state counterpart Jen Butler and Bridgewater locals joined together Sunday to continue advocating for Greenpoint Medical Services’ future.

Both members said they were aware of an imminent announcement.

“Hopefully, that announcement will be a solution,” Ms Butler said.

Details are still unknown of the nature of the announcement, when it will be made or who will make it, but residents are concerned for the 8000 patients of the centre and its approaching closure date on December 8.

“We know that this is one of the most disadvantaged communities in the country and we know that the reliance on the centre is significant,” Ms Butler said.

“We think that the service will need to have a bulk-billing component and we would also welcome other services to complement GPs.”

Community advocate for Greenpoint Medical Services Melissa Tyrrell, Brian Mitchell MP, Brighton Mayor Leigh Gray and Jen Butler MP at Bridgewater. Picture: Chris Kidd

Mr Mitchell said the “number one priority” is to keep Greenpoint open and suggested that a potential provider had been identified for the practice.

“Negotiations are advanced and we are confident that a solution has been found, but we are waiting for documents to be found,” he said.

“The current provider IPN [Medical Services] has made it clear that they’ll be closing their services, so we are looking at a new provider coming on-board.”

Greenpoint Medical Services at Bridgewater. Picture: Chris Kidd

Mr Mitchell also dispelled questions that the Bridgewater community had led the charge to save the centre, stating Labor would have moved “heaven and earth” to ensure the centre stayed open for its 8000 patients.

Health Minister Guy Barnett confirmed the state government was a part of Greenpoint’s negotiations, but also kept quiet as to the nature of the future announcement.

Mr Barnett dismissed calls for the state government to share responsibility for the centre’s closure, saying Tasmania “can’t keep stepping in” to save GP practices.

“This is a matter for the federal government – they are responsible for GPs, they are responsible for primary healthcare and they must step up,” he said.

Originally published as ‘Waiting on provider to go public’; Bridgewater’s Greenpoint Medical Services likely to be saved