The forced closure of Hunter Primary Care’s GP Access After Hours Service (GPAAH) at the Calvary Mater Hospital has been slammed by Newcastle federal MP Sharon Claydon.
And, she laid the blame squarely on the Australian Government’s continuous cuts and freezes to Medicare.
The cutbacks will also diminish opening hours at the remaining four clinics across the region.
Ms Claydon said the reduction in services would be devastating news for up to 15,000 people who’ll be left without access to vital medical care.
“The GPAAH facility reduces unnecessary emergency department presentations and hospitalisations, saving the health system approximately $21.7 million every year,” she explained.
“But, these changes will dramatically increase pressure on our already over-stretched and under-resourced EDs.
“After six long years of Medicare rebate freezes and recent cuts to bulk-billing incentives by the Scott Morrison government, Hunter Primary Care (HPC) has been forced to make the impossible decision to reduce their services to families across the Newcastle-Hunter region.
“In August, HPC sought much-needed funding to retain the full operation of their services.
“However, Minister for Health Greg Hunt simply gave them the cold shoulder and said no.”
Ms Claydon said Newcastle deserved better than a government determined to “undermine our world-class healthcare system”.
“This has been an essential service for tens of thousands of families who rely upon bulk-billing GP services to access the healthcare they need,” she stated.
“With so few bulk-billing doctors in Newcastle, any further loss of services will have a huge impact on these families already faced with high out-of-pocket costs.
“Not only is the Morrison government’s lack of support unacceptable, it’s grossly irresponsible in the middle of a global pandemic.
“At a time when our federal counterparts should be investing in Medicare and increasing health services to regional Australia, the Prime Minister is doing the exact opposite.”
Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, entertainment, lifestyle, competitions and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.