Horsham mums Claire Lawes and Tamlyn Janetzki said wait times for doctors in the city were crazy, and they were concerned their children could become seriously ill if they were not treated promptly when sick.

Mrs Janetzki said it was a constant struggle to book appointments for her children Harlow, 3, and Ezra, eight months.

“Ezra needed to get in to see a doctor to get medicine twice, and both times I had to wait until he had a high temperature to even be considered to see a doctor,” she said.

“It's a huge concern for me as a parent that our children are at risk of becoming more ill or spreading what they have because it's being left untreated or unseen too. 

“I have had to take my children to accident and emergency twice for something that should have just been a GP visit, which isn't fair on the emergency staff. 

“But this is what it is coming to.

“As a mum of two young children, it's heartbreaking seeing them sick and frustrating trying to receive medical help, as any parent would understand.”

Mrs Lawes’ daughter Maddison is 5. The family contemplated travelling to a doctor in Ballarat after they were unable to secure an appointment in Horsham when Maddison became unwell.

“I called Lister House Medical Clinic a few weeks ago and they can’t take appointments unless it’s an emergency,” she said.

“But what is classed as an emergency and what isn’t when it comes to little kids?

“We’ve always gone to Lister House and I would like to stay there, rather than start from scratch with a new doctor.

“I like to see the same doctor because there’s continuity – you get to know them, and they get to know you and your family.

“But we couldn’t get in to Maddison’s doctor until November. Waiting that long to see your GP is crazy.

“You used to be able to call in the morning and get an appointment that day – you can't do that now.

“I was seriously thinking about travelling to Ballarat.”

Mrs Lawes said she felt for staff at Lister House and other centres trying to fill vacancies.

“I hope people aren’t nasty. Staff probably cop a bit of abuse, but it’s not their fault,” she said.

Mrs Lawes said she struggled to understand why the region struggled to attract doctors.

“Is it a money issue? Are we too far from the city?” she said. “Horsham is the capital of the Wimmera.

“It is a great town with a lot to offer, so I don’t understand why some doctors won’t consider coming here.”