Residents in Southern and Central Highland regions will soon be able to access health care closer to home following the Tasmanian Health Service (THS) reaching an agreement with a local doctor.
We know that since the general practice in Ouse closed in mid-April, it has impacted many in the Central Highlands. While the Federal Government is responsible for funding GPs and primary care, the Tasmanian Government has been steadfast in our commitment to finding solutions for residents seeking to access a GP where there has been a gap to fill.
Following significant work by the Tasmanian Liberal Government to secure GP services, I'm pleased to announce that from October 10 2022, Dr Mary Lumsden from Bothwell Doctors will welcome additional GPs to her practice, ramping up the number of patients the clinic can see.
Importantly, this means patients in Southern and Central Highlands, including Ouse residents who have been without a local doctor since April, will be able to access the service.
While the service will be provided from the medical centre in Bothwell, I am advised that the intention is to offer a service to the Central Highlands Community Health Centre at Ouse, subject to operational capacity, from early 2023.
I extend my thanks to Dr Mary Lumsden for her willingness to expand her service and work so cooperatively with the THS in achieving such a fantastic outcome for the Central Highlands community. I also want to thank HR-Plus for the assistance they have provided.
To book an appointment at Bothwell Doctors, please phone 6259 5520. Bookings for new patients will be accepted from Tuesday, 4 October 2022.
