The latest news that the only doctor’s surgery in Collinsville will be ‘closed until further notice’ came as little surprise to many residents who have been living with limited access to a regular GP for several months.
Residents are unable to book a medical appointment, instead they have to present at the hospital where they must wait to be seen.
If their health issue is not urgent some can wait for hours.
With a population of over 3000, the lack of regular medical care in Collinsville is putting extreme pressure on hospital staff who have been tasked with meeting the extra demand.
Denise Simmonds-Honnery is an ex-paramedic who has been waiting to see a doctor for the past three months.
She has made four appointments, waiting two weeks each time, only to be informed on the day of her appointment that it is cancelled.
“This has been an ongoing problem since I’ve been back in town, which has been over 12 months,” she said.
“We only have one ambo in a town where we have three schools and three mines – it’s simply not enough.”
Mackay Hospital and Health Service (MHHS) who operate Collinsville Hospital say that they are continually working ensure the Collinsville community has access to medical care.
“Both of the town’s permanent doctors are on leave at varying times this month and this is impacting on the availability of appointments at the privately-owned GP clinic,” said a spokesperson.
“The health service will be sourcing locum doctors and internal medical cover this month to fill this shortfall however, some of these doctors will be unable to work at the private GP clinic as they are not registered to bill with Medicare.”
This means that in many cases residents are unable to book an appointment and it seems the non-urgent, simple interactions that a GP would normally assist with are falling through the gaps and causing distress for many.
It has also been reported that when patients do attend the hospital, none of their medical records are available making it challenging to receive a repeat prescription.
“You can’t actually make an appointment, but if you just turn up you could be sitting there for hours,” said Ms Simmonds-Honnery.
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