Media Release: Magnetic Island health care takes positive step forward

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Magnetic Island health care takes positive step forward

A statement of intent for the future of primary health care for Magnetic Island has been welcomed by Member for Herbert Phillip Thompson following this afternoon’s community meeting, but the MP says there is still more work to be done.
 
Mr Thompson said news of negotiations between respected Townsville GP Dr Michael Clements and the owner of the Island’s private GP Practice, Latitude 19, was a positive step towards resolving a shortage of doctors.
 
“It is absolutely not good enough that the people of Magnetic Island have been suffering by not having the health care that they needed,” Mr Thompson said.
 
“This has been due to a range of factors involving both levels of government as well as private business impacts.
 
“Today’s community meeting showed that all stakeholders are committed to working together to find a solution and that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.”
 
Dr Clements told the meeting that he would be looking to put on at least two full-time equivalent doctors.

“This would mean there would be doctors in the private clinic, as well as coverage at the emergency clinic, without GPs becoming overworked our burnt out,” Mr Thompson said.
 
“Having had extensive conversations with JCU, it’s clear there’s also the potential to have GP registrars working at the clinic, who hopefully move to the island, fall in love and decide to stay permanently.”
 
Mr Thompson said the statement of intent was a small but positive step forward.
 
“There’s still a lot of work to be done on this issue – the State Government still hasn’t got a long-term health services plan for the Island.
 
“This isn’t the end of the fight, it’s only the beginning. I won’t stop working hard to ensure the people of Magnetic Island have the primary and emergency health care they need and deserve.”

ENDS

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