Broome health services under huge pressure, McCourt

Author: John McCourt
Published on: 23-June-2008

The critical shortage in the number of GPs in Broome need never have happened, according to Nationals WA candidate for the Kimberley, John McCourt.

The local businessman says Broome is now faced with the closure of a major medical clinic no solution in site to stop doctors leaving town.

“I just find it stunning that – because of inaction by key players – we are faced with having even less GPs as the town sees the annual huge influx of tourists.

“At this time of year, GP services are always under increased pressure. Following the closure of the Dakas Street Medical Centre, the only other medical centre in town has now closed its books to new patients.

“I understand that there was a plan by the Broome Medical Clinic to expand its services well ahead of the Dakas Street closure, but it was frustrated by Government inaction.”

What I propose is to have a whole of government approach to looking at a way forward so that locals don’t have the line up like a soup kitchen to get basic services.

Mr McCourt says he can understand the frustration of those behind the plan and has called on all parties to get together before the problem becomes a crisis.

He said that comments attributed to the State Government that it can’t get involved in supporting private practices is an example of all take and no give.

Health services – especially in regional towns – IS a special case and private practices take huge pressure of other health services such as those provided by the Broome Hospital.

“There needs to be a solution and it has to be found now. But we need the State Government to work with local stakeholders to make it happen,” Mr McCourt said.