THE battle to attract doctors to regional areas is not a new issue – but it is one of growing concern in our patch.
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The appointment capacity at Lister House Medical Clinic in Horsham was halved after several doctors left the clinic earlier this year. The quest to replace those doctors is ongoing, adding pressure to the remaining staff at the clinic and adding extra costs as locum doctors come and go.
The number of people requiring appointments is far outweighing the clinic’s capacity – and about 400 people already walk through the doors every day.
Nurse manager Amanda Wilson told the Wimmera Mail-Times this week it’s never been more difficult to attract doctors to the Wimmera.
The doctor shortage has meant some people are seeking medical treatment outside the region.
A Horsham mum is among many who have considered driving to other towns or who are taking their children to Wimmera Base Hospital’s emergency department when their little ones are ill – just so they can receive prompt attention.
Member for Mallee Andrew Broad has also called for immediate action as he met Australia’s Assistant Health Minister David Gillespie to discuss the government’s District Workforce Shortage system, and advocate for changes. He told Mr Gillespie the system was flawed.
Mr Broad also raised the issue in Federal Parliament.
Our latest stories on the doctor shortage come a week after Victorian Population Policy Taskforce forums in Horsham and in Ararat that discussed population retention and growth across our region – and, indeed, population across the state.
It simply adds weight to the arguments around the need for greater training and employment opportunities, decentralisation, a quest to return rail services further west than Ararat, and attracting skilled workers.
Mrs Wilson suggested an adopt-a-clinic approach with Melbourne-based clinics or cash incentives such as discounted furniture or food vouchers to entice doctors to the region.
These are simple but workable and practical solutions. But are they enough?
What can be done to showcase the great things our region has to offer?
We’d love to hear your ideas, as we’re sure Lister House Medical Clinic would, too.
Jessica Grimble, editor