The Rockliff Liberal Government is pleased to announce that Your Hobart Doctor will establish a permanent general practice at Greenpoint Medical Centre, securing the continuity of general practice services for the Bridgewater-Gagebrook community.
Minister for Health, Guy Barnett, said Your Hobart Doctor will begin operating a private general practice in Bridgewater in early December.
"This is a positive outcome for the Bridgewater community," Minister Barnett said.
"While primary healthcare is the responsibility of the Federal Government, the Rockliff Liberal Government has again stepped in to ensure the Bridgewater community has access to the healthcare services it needs.
"We have worked hard behind-the-scenes to help secure this agreement and I am strongly supportive of Your Hobart Doctor making this commitment.
"We have kept the local community and Brighton mayor fully informed of progress, and at all times remained positive and hopeful despite the Federal Government's failure to step up."
Having access to general practitioners is crucial for the health and wellbeing of Tasmanians.
"We know that increased demand on our emergency departments is often due to difficulty in accessing timely and affordable primary health care," Minister Barnett said.
"About 40 per cent of presentations to the emergency departments are semi-urgent or non-urgent, often more appropriately treated by a GP or other primary health services.
"I would like to thank Dr Mark Baldock, Director of Your Hobart Doctor, and also IPN for ensuring a smooth transition.
"I know the Bridgewater and Gagebrook communities will greatly appreciate this commitment to their future healthcare needs."
The Rockliff Liberal Government will now advocate for enhanced primary healthcare services in the region and lobby the federal government for support for additional and or longer opening hours.
