Bridgewater’s Greenpoint Medical Services clinic saved by Your Hobart Doctor

As the clock ticked fast towards its December closure date, a Hobart provider has stepped in to take over Bridgewater’s sole general practice. What happens next.

Greenpoint Medical Centre at Bridgewater was set to close, with many community members unhappy. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The future of Bridgewater’s sole general practice has been secured after the announcement that Your Hobart Doctor will take over the existing Greenpoint Medical Services practice.

In a joint statement with Your Hobart Doctor and existing provider IPN Medical Centres, Health Minister Guy Barnett confirmed the general practitioner will begin operating a private practice in early December.

Your Hobart Doctor currently operates a general practice, after hours doctor and urgent care clinic on Bathurst St, in Hobart’s CBD.

“While primary healthcare is the responsibility of the federal government, the Rockliff Liberal government has again stepped in to ensure the Bridgewater community has access to the healthcare services it needs,” Mr Barnett said.

“We have worked hard behind the scenes to help secure this agreement and I am strongly supportive of Your Hobart Doctor making this commitment.”

Mr Barnett emphasised the new provider as a “positive outcome” for the Bridgewater community, stating that “accessing timely and affordable primary health care” cuts back on presentations to already in-demand emergency departments.

Health Minister Guy Barnett.

“About 40 per cent of presentations to the emergency departments are semi-urgent or non-urgent, often more appropriately treated by a GP or other primary health services,” he said.

The Health Minister said he and the state government would now advocate to the federal government for additional and longer opening hours and enhanced primary healthcare services.

Outgoing service provider IPN said in a statement that Your Hobart Doctor is “well-placed” to continue care for patients at Greenpoint Medical Services.

“This is a positive outcome for the Bridgewater community,” IPN CEO Dr Ged Foley said.

“IPN would like to express our gratitude to those who have worked tirelessly to ensure the continued care of patients during this difficult time and to the community for its support over the years.

“The IPN Greenpoint Medical Services team will be working closely with Your Hobart Doctor to ensure a smooth transition of ownership over the coming weeks.”

Your Hobart Doctor managing director Dr Mark Baldock said it is “very much looking forward” to continuing health services in the Bridgewater and greater Northern suburbs communities.

Information for patients regarding their personal health information and ongoing care will be made available via the Greenpoint Medical Services website over the coming days.