Current situation
- There is a severe shortage of GPs in the Sorell municipality.
- Wait times to see a GP are very long, sometimes more than two weeks, and many doctors are not accepting new patients.
- Many clinics offer very limited bulk billing services, creating affordability barriers for many residents.
- The federal government has recently expanded bulk billing incentives, including a new incentive payment for practices that bulk bill every patient.
- The federal government has also opened a Sorell Urgent Care Clinic, operating seven days a week from 10am to 8pm.
- The Royal Hobart Hospital experiences bed shortages, overcrowded emergency departments, and ambulance ramping.
- With Sorell Municipality's population increasing, this will put further pressure on medical services in the near future.
My plan
- Establish a local health committee made up of medical professionals, clinic owners, GPs, Ambulance Tas representatives, residents, and Council staff to work collaboratively with state and federal governments to ensure our residents can access the best possible and most affordable health care and our growing area has the services it needs.
- Advocate for the state government to place one of its pledged fully bulk billing clinics in Sorell.
- Advocate to all state and federal parties and independents about the need for affordable and accessible health services in our region.
- Provide as much support as possible to encourage the establishment of new GP clinics in our area.
- Keep residents informed through my community newsletter, social media, and the Sorell Times about any changes or improvements to local health services.
- Work with Ambulance Tas to improve pick-up times and meet local needs based on local knowledge.
- Advocate with the State Health Department for our only nursing home in Sorell to take only local residents, so our residents stay in their local community, close to family and friends.
- Encourage all residents to have an Advanced Care Plan and have this registered with Ambulance Tas.
The benefits
- Better coordination and communication between the various agencies (Council, GPs, Ambulance, RHH, nursing home), sharing local knowledge, leading to quicker and efficient services.
- Improved health outcomes through earlier diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and better management of ongoing conditions.
- Reduced pressure on hospitals and emergency departments by strengthening primary and preventative care.
- Lower out-of-pocket costs for residents, reducing financial stress and improving access to care.
- Increased access for low income families, older residents, people with disability, and those without private health insurance.
- Improved workforce productivity through fewer sick days and better overall wellbeing.
- Greater community resilience during health crises or emergencies.
- Long-term savings for governments by investing in prevention rather than costly emergency and acute care.