Local Health Network sends eviction notice to Murraylands Medical Centre, leaving Tailem Bend without GPs 

Patients have been left fuming as the doors shut on a medical centre, saying care could become inaccessible, after eviction notice from Local Health Network.

The Murraylands Medical Centre at Tailem Bend is set to close this week, leaving regular patients confused after the shock announcement just before the doors are due to shut.

Patients of a regional clinic have been left shocked by the abrupt closure of a medical centre set to rob a region of access to GP services.

The Murraylands Medical Centre (MCC) at Tailem Bend is set to close this week, leaving regular patients confused after the shock announcement just before the doors are due to shut.

Patients were told by the clinic – Solitaire Medical Group – the centre had been asked to close by SA Health’s Local Health Network.

Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network (RMCLHN) chief executive Wayne Champion told The Advertiser the decision to close the clinic came from the centre itself.

He said the RMCLHN had only become aware of the decision on the same afternoon patients were told.

“Late yesterday, the Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network (RMCLHN) received information that the Murraylands Medical Centre (MMC) had made the decision to cease practising,” he said.

Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network chief executive Wayne Champion.

Director of the Murraylands Medical Centre, Dr Sanjeev Sabharwal. Picture: Supplied

However, since receiving a statement from Mr Champion, The Advertiser has seen an eviction notice from the Crown Solicitor's Office, acting on behalf of the RMCLHN, that was sent to the director of the practice, Dr Sanjeev Sabharwal on 1 May, giving him 40 days to vacate the premises. 

When Dr Sabharwal learned that Mr Champion said the practice was closed after an internal decision, he refuted the claims. 

“That’s absolutely wrong. We received a notice giving us 40 days,” he said. 

Dr Sabharwal said he and his wife first took over the MCC in 2018, when they leased the property from the RMCLHN, and said he was sent a rent bill for $54,000 in 2022, which he could not pay. 

He said he attempted to “negotiate” a payment plan with the RMCLHN, but had not received a response to multiple emails and calls for assistance, before he received an eviction notice in May.

“We were happy discussing with them and tried to get support, because we want to give a stable practice to the country, but they never listened to us,” he told The Advertiser. 

“They never responded to us but they sent the first bill for rent which was around $54,000 in 2022 and they said it was from 2018 to 2022.

“It's not a very viable business, it’s a small practice, we have to pay our doctors, our nurses, our staff, and everything else. 

“That was the first time they had sent us any invoice.” 

After receiving the notice to vacate the premises last month, Dr Sabharwal said he approached the RMCLHN again, but they never responded.

Patients of the Murraylands Medical Centre at Tailem Bend received a message on Wednesday advising the centre would shut as of Saturday.

“We regret to inform you that Murraylands Medical Centre has been asked to close the working at Tailem Bend as of Saturday, 7th June 2025 by the Local Health Network,” the message said.

“It is very unfortunate for all of us and the community. We are committed to supporting you during this transition.”

Patients were told they had the “option of contacting the Bridgeview Family Practice – 25km away in Murray Bridge – for ongoing medical care.

So far, the RMCLHN has not shed any light on the circumstances around the abrupt closure.

The Advertiser sent further questions to SA Health and the RMCLHN after sighting the eviction notice sent to Dr Sabharwal on May 1.

The RMCLHN said they have contacted to he MCC and have organised a meeting.

“The RMCLHN has reached out to the Murraylands Medical Centre to resolve the situation and is meeting with them early next week to discuss the future of the service,” a spokesperson said.

“This closure has no impact on the services available at Tailem Bend District Hospital.”

Residents responded to the news with frustration of losing access to services.

Tailem Bend resident Fay Brook said travelling to a neighbouring town was not an option.

“Got the message today, 92, not travelling to Murray Bridge to see a doctor, we certainly need the medical clinic open,” she said.

Others who live east of Tailem Bend said the added travel west to Murray Bridge made services inaccessible.

Originally published as Local Health Network sends eviction notice to Murraylands Medical Centre, leaving Tailem Bend without GPs