Roster reassurance for 24-hour doctor service

Posted August 22, 2017

Federal Member for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie has been assured by SA Health Minister Jack Snelling that the new 24-hour, after hours doctor service at Mount Barker Hospital is not over-stretched and that any gaps in the roster will be filled by locum doctors.

Her comments follow claims by the State Liberals that the service had prompted a surge in admissions at the emergency department and the extra workload had led to three GP practices withdrawing their doctors from the service.

“It is really unfortunate that, for whatever reason, local GP clinics have pulled out of the agreement they had with Summit Health and Country Health SA to staff the new 24-hour service,” Rebekha said.

“It would have been preferable to have local doctors running this well patronised and much needed local service.

“However, I have been reassured by the Health Minister that the roster is currently being filled at the most high demand times and that locums are being brought in to fill in the gaps.

“I think the delight the State Liberals is taking in the teething problems associated with this much needed service is appalling.

“If they want to play politics, let me remind them that for years they did nothing to lobby for improved after hours doctor services in this fast growing community.

“Mr Snelling only received his first letter about the issue from local Liberal MP Mark Goldsworthy after I started advocating for a 24-hour doctor.

“At the end of the day the hospital is administered by the State Government but I believe Summit Health and Country Health SA have found a way forward to overcoming some rostering issues, which is fantastic news for our community.

“I make no apologies for advocating on behalf on my community about this very important issue.”