‘Doesn’t make sense’: community and patients rally to save East Devonport Medical Centre
Labor has launched a petition and a rally has been planned in an effort to save the a northern medical centre, which is set to close in February.
Tasmania
Don't miss out on the headlines from Tasmania. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The community is rallying to save the East Devonport Medical Centre as Labor launches a petition urging the state government to work with its federal counterparts to ensure the facility does not close.
However, Health Minister Guy Barnett said the federal government’s failure to invest in Medicare was putting GP clinics “at risk”.
The East Devonport Medical Centre will shut its doors in February, with its remaining staff moving to another clinic across the Mersey River.
Devonport Mayor Alison Jarman said there would be a rally at Pioneer Park on December 3 at 11.30am to save the medical clinic.
“We need strength in numbers,” Cr Jarman said.
“The people of East Devonport, the clients that are affected because of this crazy announcement that this clinic is closing, have to turn out to this rally to show all levels of government that this can’t happen.
“I don’t envy the levels of government that are having to deal with this.
“It is a private company that has made a decision for a cost-cutting measure to put together two medical clinics together, but on the west side of Devonport.”
Cr Jarman said the East Devonport Medical Centre had operated for 44 years.
“The only remaining doctor here will go to the new clinic to take on 6000 clients from here at a medical clinic that’s already closed its books.
“It doesn’t make sense.”
A spokesperson for the East Devonport Medical Centre said it would work with each patient to find a solution for them.
“With Australia’s critical GP shortage making it increasingly difficult to attract and retain new doctors at East Devonport Medical Centre, we have been looking at a range of options to ensure we can continue to serve our community.
“The decision to merge with SmartClinics Devonport will provide continuity of care for those patients who choose to move to the new location with our doctors and staff, while also more effectively resourcing the clinic and enabling future growth.”
Labor health spokesperson Anita Dow said the state government needed to step in.
“Here in East Devonport, there are no other community health services available to the community; the community health centre is on the other side of the river,” Ms Dow said.
“So the government should be stepping up, looking at what other options there are to provide community-based care here in East Devonport to complement general practice, and most importantly, working with all levels of government to make sure this practice stays open.”
Mr Barnett said it was working to ensure the East Devonport Medical Centre remained open.
“Tasmanians need access to primary healthcare and the Federal Government’s failure to invest in Medicare is putting GP clinics at risk,” he said.
“While state Labor has nothing more to offer the community than pic ops and fearmongering, the Rockliff Liberal Government is working hard on ensuring the East Devonport community has access to the services it needs.
“I am hosting a health roundtable this week with the East Devonport community and health stakeholders in response to the medical centre’s merger.
“Our government is working closely with the community and health representatives while state and federal Labor have nothing to offer except empty words.”
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler acknowledged the decision to close the medical clinic was a commercial decision by a private provider but said the government would assist the East Devonport community.
“The Commonwealth government remains focused on ensuring patients continue to have access to a GP in the Devonport community and will work with the provider, the local government and state government to do this.”
More Coverage
Originally published as ‘Doesn’t make sense’: community and patients rally to save East Devonport Medical Centre
What could thwart Kangaroo Bay Hotel, even if it is approved
The Kangaroo Bay Hotel has been declared a ‘major project’, but there’s a glaring complication which could arise, even if it’s approved, as both parties claim ownership of the waterfront land.
Lambie MP maintains budget rage with rare move
Jacqui Lambie Network MP Andrew Jenner has maintained his one-man opposition to the state budget in a rare move as it passed through the House of Assembly.
Premier apologises to restaurateur over booking fumble
The government has apologised to a Launceston restaurant owner after a Liberal staffer cancelled a footy function because the owner spoke at a Labor press conference.
Van Dairy fighting mega tax bill from $280m purchase in 2016
A Chinese dairy company owner is appealing a court ruling over a $20m stamp duty tax bill. Here’s what the company’s defence says about the complex company structure.
TasPorts chairman announces retirement
The search for a new TasPorts chairman is on after the man in the job for nine years announced his retirement today. What happened:
How close is the Tasmanian tiger’s return
The race to bring the Tasmanian tiger back to life is heating up after a scientific breakthrough has completed 99.9 per cent of the puzzle. Here’s why.