1500 Patients Forced into Other Townships for GP Services
The Tasmanian Greens today called on the Minister for Health, Michelle O’Byrne, to detail how the Department will ensure adequate health services for Evandale, following the closure of the Evandale Medical Centre late last year leaving 1500 patients in the lurch.
Greens Health spokesperson Paul ‘Basil’ O’Halloran MP said the Minister has responsibility to ensure adequate and reasonable medical services to Tasmanians are provided as practicably as possible, and should involve the local community in future plans regarding medical services.
“Minister O’Byrne needs to reassure the 1500 people who relied upon the Evandale Medical Centre that they will not be left in the lurch, especially given the high number of pensioners in the area, and that appropriate medical services can be accessed,” Mr O’Halloran said.
“There are a significant number of pensioners in the area who have to travel to nearby towns, up to 20 minutes away, just to see a doctor.”
“There is no public transport from Evandale, so unless you have a car, you have to fork out significant costs for taxis, which will cut into an already small pension.”
“The Minister for Health stated a series of private practitioners had left the situation the way it is, but that the building continues to be maintained and a vacancy has been advertised, however she did not commit that the medical facility would continue to provide services to the local area.”
“Health and aged care are very important parts of our community, and the Minister should detail any plans the Department currently has, or will develop, to ensure that the members of the Evandale community can continue to access adequate and fair medical services,” Mr O’Halloran said.
Paul ‘Basil’ O’Halloran MP Greens Health spokesperson
