News that yet another Tasmanian GP service is set to close is a blow to the community and raises more concerns about the ongoing health crisis.

The pending closure of the After Hours Doctor at Derwent Park will leave the community without medical care outside of business hours, and in many cases, people will have no choice but to seek help at hospital emergency departments.

This will put even more pressure on EDs, which are already struggling to cope with demand, with ambulance ramping and bed block an ongoing problem.

This latest closure follows the closure of the Risdon Vale doctor’s surgery three weeks ago, similar closures in St Marys, Bridgewater and East Devonport and the imminent closure of the Lauderdale practice of Eastern Shore Doctors.

All Tasmanians deserve decent health care but, instead, they are finding themselves with fewer and fewer options as more doctor’s practices close their doors.

It’s clear that much more needs to be done and the Liberal government cannot blame this on the Federal Government when it is not doing its bit to attract and retain GPs in Tasmania.

One thing they could do right now is to support our health workers by exempting GP contractors from a payroll tax to provide more certainty to practices and keep patient costs down.

The health crisis requires urgent action so that all Tasmanians can get the health care they need and deserve.  

Ella Haddad MP  
Shadow Health Minister