Tasmanian GPs becoming overwhelmed by Covid cases

One of Tasmania’s peak hospitality bodies says going back to blanket mask mandates will “cripple” local businesses, amid speculation masks may return.

The Tasmanian Hospitality Association says mask mandates would deal a “severe blow” to its industry, as the AMA warns they may soon be necessary if Tasmanians do not voluntarily mask up.

Newly appointed THA president Ben Carpenter agrees with the state government’s recommendation for people to voluntarily wear masks indoors but said introducing a mandate would “further cripple our venues”.

“We understand Covid cases are rising quickly as we enter the depths of winter,” Mr Carpenter said.

“It’s not like our businesses are immune to the impacts of this – people are being required to isolate, take days off work and we know staffing levels are in a consistent state of flux.

THA president Ben Carpenter. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“However, reintroducing a mask mandate would only further cripple our venues, who are all going to extreme lengths to ensure they are providing Covid-safe environments.

“When the last mask mandate was introduced when our borders reopened, it had a massive effect, with businesses across the state reporting mass cancellations leading up to their traditionally busy Christmas periods.

“We fully support and endorse everyone wearing a mask in any setting should they wish to do so … but when it comes to hospitality venues, it should be up to the individual to be vigilant and take responsibility for their own actions.”

‘Worst I’ve seen’: Inside Tassie GPs’ Covid hell – July 21

Tasmanian GPs say they are “hanging by a thread” as they battle soaring Covid cases, a declining workforce and a high volume of patients.

AMA Tasmania vice president Annette Barratt said GPs were under “enormous strain” alongside the state’s hospital system.

“GPs are trying to see patients with other illnesses … but they’re being overwhelmed by Covid,” Dr Barratt said.

“They also have to now prescribe the Covid antivirals, which is another load on top.”

Dr Barratt, a GP herself, said her colleagues were already under pressure before the pandemic because of the “low Medicare rebate” – which stands at $39.75 for a standard consultation – coupled with the fact medical students were not taking up the profession.

The rebate’s 1.6 per cent increase in July from $39.10 was well below the annual inflation rate of 5.1 per cent.

AMA on mask wearing

Chair of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners in Tasmania, Tim Jackson, said demand for a GP is at an “all-time high”.

“It’s the worst I’ve seen it in 30 years,” Dr Jackson said.

He added that medical practices were stretched as the GPs, practice nurses and receptionists became unwell themselves and needed to quarantine.

Respected Tasmanian GP Graeme Alexander said general practice was “hanging by a thread at the moment”, going as far to say collapse was “imminent”.

“Everyone will (say) that Covid has broken general practice but it hasn’t,” Dr Alexander said.

“It’s been death by a thousand cuts from an endless number of state, federal, Liberal, Labor (and) Green politicians.”

The GP echoed Dr Barratt’s sentiments, telling the Mercury the “catchcry” among medical students was “do anything but general practice”.

“The young medical students are looking at (general practice) and thinking: ‘There’s no way I’m going to do that job’,” he said.

“The majority of GPs … are old and soon to retire. Who’s going to replace us?”

Dr Alexander said politicians had for more than two years been repeatedly advising Australians to go to their GP – not a hospital – if they were sick, in turn placing general practices under enormous pressure.

A medical practice in Blackmans Bay was forced to temporarily close on Thursday “due to Covid”.

Meanwhile, health professional network Ochre Health and medical practice operator IPN Medical Centres are both currently attempting to entice GPs to come work in Tasmania.

“Are you a GP looking for a change of scenery?” one IPN job ad reads.

“Hobart may offer a quieter lifestyle compared to other capital cities, but our popular community centres are bustling with patients.”

Dr Alexander added that morale was its lowest.

“We’ve been saying for ages (that) this is a train wreck,” he said.

“Well, I think the end of the line is coming very close.”