Regional GP clinics at risk of closure due to 'critical' doctor shortage

A NSW South Coast-based doctor is on the brink of closing her practice due to a critical GP shortage sweeping through regional Australia. Key points: GPs say they are struggling to keep clinics open due to a chronic shortage of doctors Experts say the shortage is due to some areas not being eligible to employ overseas-trained doctors The federal government acknowledges the shortage and says it is trying to fix the problem Kate Manderson runs the Sanctuary Point Medical Centre in the Shoalhaven and said many of her GPs have retired but she has been unable to recruit anyone else because her practice is not in a distribution priority area. Shoalhaven not alone Darren Compton from DXC medical recruitment said many other regional towns were facing similar challenges including Parkes, Grafton and Cessnock, which were also not considered priority areas despite their regional locations. Government says it is looking to address shortage The Federal Regional Health Minister Mark Coulton said improving the distribution of doctors was a key focus of the federal government. “Work is underway to develop a National Medical Workforce Strategy, in conjunction with the states and territories, medical colleges, universities and key stakeholders to guide long-term collaborative medical workforce planning across Australia," Mr Coulton said.