Half of Devonport to be left without GP once East Devonport medical centre closes in February
Some residents of a northern Tasmanian city will be forced to travel after its medical centre closes in February. How the state government responded.
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The community of East Devonport is set to be left without a general practice following the closure of its main medical centre in February.
The closure means there will be no general practice in Devonport west of the Mersey River.
The East Devonport Medical Centre will merge with SmartClinics Devonport across the river.
“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,” an East Devonport Medical Centre spokesperson said.
“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.
“The health and wellbeing of our patients has always been, and remains, our top priority. Our staff continue to communicate with patients to address enquiries and ensure each patient finds a solution that works for them.”
While access to general practices is a Commonwealth issue, Tasmanian Labor health spokesperson Anita Dow said the state government needed to help save the East Devonport Medical Centre.
“The announced closure of the East Devonport Medical Centre in February is a huge blow for the local community, which has relied on the centre for close to 50 years,” Ms Dow said.
“It is now vital all levels of government work together with the community to ensure the people of East Devonport can see a GP in their local community after February.
“When Green Point Medical Centre in Bridgewater announced its closure earlier this year Health Minister Guy Barnett was quick to wash his hands of any responsibility, uttering the infamous “no ifs, no buts” line to pass the buck.
“In contrast, Tasmanian Labor was quick to support the community, helping bring together a group of passionate residents whose dedication and resilience ultimately led to Greenpoint remaining open.”
Mr Barnett said the state government would help find solutions for the East Devonport community.
“I have already spoken with Devonport Mayor Alison Jarman and committed our government’s support for the Devonport Council’s efforts to lobby the Federal government to provide more support for the residents of East Devonport,” he said.
“I will be writing to the Federal Minister on the matter and have already spoken with the local Federal Government member, Gavin Pearce about the closure as well.”
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