Peterborough ‘devastated’ as its sole GP clinic prepares to close

A Mid North town’s only GP clinic is set to close, prompting urgent action from the mayor to stop residents being forced to travel an hour to the nearest doctor’s office.

Peterborough faces losing its sole GP clinic with the Goyder’s Line Medical centre set to close from August 8 due to workforce shortages.

The announcement has shocked residents and triggered urgent action by the council seeking assistance from the state government and SA Health to retain a GP service.

It also puts a cloud over services at the local hospital provided by the GPs.

District Council of Peterborough Mayor Ruth Whittle told residents she is contacting Health Minister Chis Picton, Opposition health spokeswoman Ashton Hurn, local MP Geoff Brock and senior SA Health figures “to try to solve the dilemma.”
‘This is devastating news for our communities, nearby residents and the travelling public, all of whom rely on these services, whether occasionally or regularly,” Ms Whittle said.

Mayor Ruth Whittle has contacted leaders to try and find a solution to her town’s healthcare crisis. Picture: Brett Hartwig

“In many cases, the logistics of travelling to other towns for support are simply unrealistic or not an option.

“Living in a rural areas should not mean going without essential services.”

The clinic is part of a network with medical centres in Jamestown and Orroroo, both about an hour’s round trip drive away — which would become the nearest GP clinics for Peterborough residents.

In April 2021 the operators announced the clinic would close, citing a lack of doctors, but community action saw a reprieve.

In a statement, Goyder’s Line Medical blamed “ongoing and unavoidable workforce shortages” for the decision.

“This has been a very difficult decision,” it states.

“We recognise how important our clinic has been to the community and we are deeply grateful for the support we have received from local residents, patients and staff over the years.

“We want to assure you that we will work closely with the Yorke and Northern Local Health Network (Y&NLHN) to support the transition and ensure continuity of care wherever possible.

“Y&NLHN will ensure hospital services remain unaffected.

“We understand this change may be disruptive and upsetting. Our team remains committed to providing the best possible support during this time.”

Y&NLHN chief executive Roger Kirchner said there were no immediate changes to services and the hospital would remain staffed by doctors from the practice until the clinic closes on August 8.

“Our priority is to ensure Peterborough Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital continues to have adequate coverage,” he said

“We are working to secure locum coverage to serve in Peterborough as soon as possible. The board and executive are also exploring options to ensure the long-term sustainability of the service.

“We are not immune from the challenges regional Australia faces in recruiting and retaining medical professionals and this is yet another example of the difficulties facing regional health providers.

“I encourage any GP with an interest in pursuing a career in regional medicine to get in contact with us.”

Originally published as Peterborough ‘devastated’ as its sole GP clinic prepares to close