Tasmanians waiting weeks for doctors as regional GP shortage puts pressure on EDs

For Tasmanian Denis Webber, booking an appointment with his GP when he is feeling unwell or needs medication is not always simple. Key points: Tasmania is experiencing a GP shortage, resulting in more people seeking treatment at their nearest hospital Residents in the town of Sorell in southern Tasmania are waiting weeks to get an appointment with their GP clinic The Australian Medical Association says the shortage is putting more strain on Tasmanian hospital emergency departments A few months ago, the 69-year-old from Sorell in southern Tasmania was forced to go to the Royal Hobart Hospital for what he described as a "small problem" because there were no GP appointments available for weeks. "Doctors are struggling to keep up with demand, we were struggling prior to the pandemic but COVID has made it 10-20 per cent worse," Australian Medical Association spokesman John Saul said. "Nubeena could do with another GP, Triabunna, Bicheno, Swansea they all need another GP in those surgeries and that's not even starting on the north-west coast of Tasmania," Dr Saul said. "We've got a domino effect, without enough GPs we've got more strain on our hospital emergency departments."