Gorge Health owner PJ Stafford closes business after 10 years of operation

THE OWNER of Katherine’s only general practice has wrapped up business after 10 years of operation

Dr Peter Stafford. GP from Gorge Health, has made the tough decision to close down the only private general practitioners in Katherine. Picture: Che Chorley

GORGE Health owner and principal GP PJ Spafford wrapped up the business yesterday after 10 years of operation.

The decision to close the clinic was reinforced after Dr Spafford’s wife, Judy, was diagnosed with cancer.

He said he wanted to focus his attention towards her care, as well as resuming a better work life balance.

“I don’t intend to retire. I do intend to stay in Katherine,” he said.

“I will continue to work in one capacity or another.”

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Dr Spafford said he would be looking to set up his own practice in the future.

While he believes people will be able to get some kind of care in the regional town, he concedes continuity of care will be a major problem.

“I am worried that there’s a lot of people in this town that will struggle without having a general practice in the town.

“Lots of small towns across Australia don’t have GPs and that’s part of the way of life,” Dr Spafford said.

Dr Peter Stafford. GP from Gorge Health, has made the tough decision to close down the only private general practitioners in Katherine. After running the clinic for a decade, he has not been able to attract enough doctors to service the community. Picture: Che Chorley

“This is quite a big town, a lot more people affected.

“There are services available out there. I don’t think anybody’s going to be left completely in the cold, but it’s continuity of care that’s the problem.”

Dr Spafford said the hospital, along with other health services, would have to respond to primary health issues until the NT Primary Health Network, which was looking at opening a practice in Katherine, was able to find a doctor.

The closure of the private practice means non-Indigenous patients will have to attend the Katherine Hospital, rely on telehealth or drive to Darwin to see a GP.

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Indigenous residents will still be able to see a GP locally at the Wurli Wurlinjang Health Service.

A Top End Health spokeswoman said work was underway to ensure the medical needs of the region were met.

“Katherine Hospital is assessing staffing and resource requirements in the ED to manage the expected increase in demand, while NT PHN develop an interim and longer- term solution for the provision of GP services in Katherine,” she said.