Uncertainty over future of West Coast GP services

The Tasmanian Greens today raised concerns about the future of critical health services on the west coast, following confirmation that the region’s main private provider of GP services would be withdrawing.

Greens Member for Braddon and Health spokesperson Paul O’Halloran MP said that the departure of Independent Practitioner Network (IPN) would be a central focus during a public meeting on Monday night in Strahan.

“It has been confirmed that IPN is planning to withdraw its services from the west coast, but there are still no definitive answers over who will fill the gap,” Mr O’Halloran said.

“News of IPN’s departure is only adding to the uncertainty that west coast residents are experiencing in regard to health services.”

“This uncertainty also comes amid reports that air ambulance services to the west coast could be downgraded and some nursing services cancelled.”

“All these issues are combining to cause major distress in the community, who just want some assurance that their already-stretched services will not be further compromised by the departure of IPN.”

“The Minister must act quickly to provide some long-term certainty to the community, by working to secure a new provider swiftly, and ensure continuity of service.”

Mr O’Halloran said he had issued an invitation for senior health bureaucrats to attend a public meeting in Strahan organised for Monday 9th September, to provide factual information to community members.

“On Monday next week I will host a public meeting in Strahan to discuss the major challenges facing west coast residents, and I urge as many people as possible to be part of the discussion.”

“Many in the community believe that health service downgrades are a big disincentive for people to live in the region, and are one of the major factors inhibiting the growth of the region.”
Paul O’Halloran MP Greens Health Spokesperson