GP workforce problem in all states.

We are in Brisbane, but we know that the GP workforce problem is acute in many urban areas in other states: the Sydney Morning Herald recently highlighted the seriousness of the problem in both Sydney and in Victoria.

If we ask you "Is there a GP workforce shortage in your own area?", how would you respond? Please let us know: email us at brisbanegp@gmail.com with your response.

To: The Divisions.

The following email has been sent to the over fifty urban Divisions of General Practice around the country.

Dear Colleagues,

You may be aware of the national coverage of the GP workforce issue in the Prime Minister’s own electorate of Griffith over the last week. My practice is one of those at the centre of the publicity. In summary, both this and a neighbouring practice are facing closure in the relatively near future due to our inability to find doctors eligible for employment in our inner metropolitan area. I am sixty years of age, with no succession plan for the practice. In the shorter term we will not meet accreditation standards when we are reviewed next March, unless we can find another doctor.

A local campaign was started by a concerned patient several weeks ago and has been received with great enthusiasm by the community. It has received attention from television, radio, local and national newspapers. The first batch of petition signatures has been handed in to Kevin Rudd’s Griffith electorate office; a second batch will follow shortly.

We know that many of you in urban areas in other states are in a similar situation. We believe the problem can be solved, if there is a will to do so. We have some practical ideas and suggestions which we have already forwarded to the Prime Minister and to the Minister for Health (although we have not to date received any response other than the formulaic one.)

We have started a blog at http://needmoregps.blogspot.com/ to publicise the campaign and act as a focus for the debate we have to have if this problem is to be solved. We do not need or want any more analysis of the problem. We welcome your suggestions and comments.

Yours sincerely,

Dr Janet Clarkson.
Logan Road General Practice
Stones Corner
Brisbane
3394 3622
0417 718 375