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Health | February 22, 2017

Kealy - Rural doctor shortage needs Government support

The Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy MP has spoken in Parliament this week calling for urgent State Government support to recruit and retain regional doctors.

“Nine doctors have left Horsham since late 2016, resulting in patients waiting for up to a month for a routine medical appointment,” Ms Kealy said.

“This is putting enormous stress on local people with chronic disease who cannot get prescriptions for medications they need.

“It is also placing immense burden on the Wimmera Base Hospital, with emergency presentations increasing by 50%.

“Distressed local people have contacted me after they have received phone calls from local medical clinics to reschedule and further delay their booked appointment times,” she said.

The current doctor shortage is not unique to Horsham and is experienced in many regional areas.

“I have previously written to the Minister for Health to raise the desperate need for support to recruit and retain doctors and medical specialists in regional areas across the Lowan electorate,” Ms Kealy said.

“It is time the Labor Government recognises the importance of rural health and provides urgent support to address the health challenges faced in our country area,” she said.