Media release – Dale Webster – Deputy Secretary, Hospitals and Primary Care, 21 November 2022
Work ongoing to support delivery of GP services in Campbell Town
The Department of Health is working with federal health representatives in an effort to facilitate the ongoing provision of general practice services in Campbell Town.
The Department was advised this month that the current general practice operating in Campbell Town would be closing in early January.
We immediately began discussions with this provider about the possibility for them to extend beyond this time.
When it became clear this would not be possible, we commenced negotiations with other general practice providers about their interest in extending their services to the Campbell Town area. These discussions remain ongoing, and we remain hopeful of a positive outcome.
It is important to note that general practices are small businesses, and make their decisions separate to those made by the Tasmanian Department of Health.
While the Federal Government has responsibility for GPs in Australia with funding through the Medicare system, the Tasmanian Department of Health is taking proactive actions and working with federal health representatives to address the current situation in Campbell Town.
The Tasmanian Department of Health is responsible for the operation of the Campbell Town Health and Community Service, which includes a 20-bed residential aged care facility and a six-bed sub-acute hospital facility.
Our goal is to work with federal health representatives to find a suitable provider to deliver GP services for the local community, to ensure the continued model of care of the local GP supporting the Campbell Town Health and Community Service.
