AMA expresses concern for Naracoorte GP Dr Jeff Taylor’s loss

The sudden retirement of Naracoorte GP Dr Jeff Taylor continues to be the talk of the town, and has triggered concern from the AMA over future medical services.

The sudden retirement of prominent Naracoorte GP obstetrician Dr Jeffrey Taylor has triggered a warning from the Australian Medical Association that women in the region must continue to have access to good obstetric care.

Dr Taylor told The Advertiser he has decided to retire “effective immediately” after the Medical Board put restrictions on his registration preventing him from contact with female patients.

It is understood the restriction, imposed from October 1, is the result of a complaint linked to a consensual relationship.

As well as practising in Naracoorte's Kincraig Medical Clinic as a GP, Dr Taylor was principal medical officer at the Naracoorte Health Service and delivered about half of the 150-to-180 babies born there each year.

Dr Taylor’s long career has seen him deliver the babies of women he delivered, and former patients have been full of praise for the medical care he provided during childbirth.

The hospital services a region including Kingston, Keith, Robe and Bordertown and any shortage of service could see some pregnant women facing a round trip of up to 400km to be seen at Mount Gambier.

GP Jeffrey Taylor.

Naracoorte Health Service

AMA SA president Dr John Williams said access to healthcare was a fundamental right for all Australians and patients are best served when care is delivered closer to home.

AMA SA president Dr John Williams at Mount Gambier Hospital. Picture: Supplied

“It’s vital that women who live within the Naracoorte Health Service catchment continue to have access to safe, quality obstetrics care in their community,” Dr Williams said.

“If women are forced to travel long distances to seek obstetrics services in bigger centres like Mount Gambier or Adelaide it would place an undue burden on them.

“It would also heap more pressure on the health systems in those bigger centres.

“The Limestone Coast Local Health Network has assured the public that obstetrics services within the Naracoorte Health Service are ‘well staffed’.

“AMA SA expects that will continue.”

Amid regional GP shortages, Dr Williams said in the longer term it was essential the state government supports the single employer model of training designed to boost recruitment and retention of regional doctors.

Originally published as AMA expresses concern for Naracoorte GP Dr Jeff Taylor’s loss