Calls to save Brighton medical centre amid GP ‘crisis’

Frustrated residents in need of health care are reeling after finding out that the only GPs left at a ‘vital’ Brighton medical centre have retired and resigned. LATEST >>

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Brighton residents in need of health care are reeling after finding out that Brighton Doctors Surgery will be downsizing due to the retirement and resignation of two long serving GPs.

Despite multiple patients claiming they were notifed that the centre would close next month the owner of the clinic, Better Medical, told the Mercury they will not be shutting up shop.

“We are doing everything we can to support the community and save this clinic.” said Operations Manager Eliza Taylor.

With the recent retirement of Dr Suzy Baudoeuf due to illness, the surgery was left with just one doctor Roger Skierka, who has tendered his resignation effective August 13, forcing the clinic into crisis mode.

“From next week we’ll have a locum doctor starting and he’ll be there two days a week.” said Ms Taylor.

“We are also working with a recruitment company to employ more doctors.”

The Australian Medical Association said the centre’s struggle wasn’t a surprise due to a shortage of GPs across the state.

Local Melinda Mercieca who has been a patient at Brighton Doctors Surgery for the past eight years said she found out about the departure of Dr Skierka when she tried to book an appointment for her sick daughter on Monday.

“It’s just devastating - we don’t want to see Roger go.” she said.

“The whole community will miss him.”

Brighton Doctors Surgery.

With bookings filled to the brim, other patients have resorted to contacting medical centres kilometres away.

“I’m looking everywhere but there is nothing.” a patient told the Mercury.

“I spent two hours on Monday ringing different centres and had no luck.”

“Brighton has a young community, there are people with kids, what are they supposed to do?”

Brighton candidate Aaron De La Torre who also goes to the local GP posted to Facebook on Tuesday night calling on Health Minister Jeremy Rockliff to stand up and save the clinic.

“It is imperative that you and your government act right now to secure the additional doctors that are needed for our region to ensure the practice remains open and to guarantee the health and safety of our residents.” he stated in the letter.

“Brighton needs more permanent GPs, not a revolving door of locums.”

Brighton Council’s Acting Mayor Barbara Curran said the council is working to ensure the growing municipality has access to ongoing medical services.

“Council hopes the Centre can secure the permanent replacement GPs as soon as possible.”

Follow @Chelsea Cosgrave