Senate inquiry into local doctor shortage

The Labor Party has secured a Senate inquiry into the Central Coast general practitioner shortage, according to Member for Gosford Ms Liesl Tesch.

She said Peninsula residents had faced long wait times to get a consultation and doctors having closed books.

"I know first-hand the frustration of not being able to see a GP or find one," said Ms Tesch.

"After two of my GPs retired, I haven't had a GP for over a year simply because of the shortage."

"I know just how frustrating it is for so many locals who want and need a GP who is familiar with their history and can follow their developments."

Ms Tesch said: "The pressure on our local GP to administer vaccines above and beyond their normal work further highlights these shortages.

"Our community has been calling for more GPs for years and finally we have some progress.

"The inquiry will help find solutions and shine a light on the Morrison Government's inaction on the crisis."

Ms Tesch encouraged all locals who have been impacted to make a submission to the inquiry, which can be lodged online at https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/OnlineSubmission.

SOURCE:

Media release, 6 Aug 2021

Liesl Tesch, Member for Gosford