MORE than 1000 residents are pushing for more GPs in Melton and Caroline Springs.
Experts say about 40 more GPs are needed in the area as explosive population growth continues.
Melton West resident Lyn Holdsworth said she frequently had to travel out of Melton to see a GP or specialist because waiting times for simple appointments were up to a week in the municipality.
She was one of 1108 people who signed a petition calling for Melton to be identified as an area with a shortage of general practitioners.
“I’d do anything to get more doctors and a hospital in Melton. We’re growing so quickly we just don’t seem to get enough doctors,” Ms Holdsworth said.
“It seems we’re having problems getting doctors to come here. I do go outside Melton now for a GP. If I can’t get an appointment here I go to my doctor in Brimbank.”
Westcare Medical Centre’s Graham Jacobs said the doctor shortage was an ongoing issue for Melton, with the current GPs unable to meet the demands of a growing population.
“The real issue is that patients have trouble getting into clinics of their choice or their preferred doctor because not all clinics can provide service on the day,” he said.
“We always hear from patients who are not getting appointments. What we notice is that when people can’t get in or go to a different service, there are a number of issues, including affordability. After hours they might not get bulk-billed, which means they’ll be out of pocket.”
Melton Labor MP Don Nardella presented the petition to State Parliament last week.
“My last GP appointment took a couple of days,” he said.
“If there’s something urgent the clinics will consider it, but you need to get in pretty early.
“It depends on the clinic and the need; sometimes there is a long wait and that’s unacceptable.”
Health Minister David Davis’s spokesman said the state government could not assign GPs as it was a federal government responsibility.
Mr Nardella said the state could advocate to the federal government on residents’ behalf. “To say it’s someone else’s responsibility is correct, but the state can advocate and I urge them to do so.”
Mr Davis said $238.3 million would be invested over four years to increase the number of doctors, nurses and other health professionals in clinical training. —szevenbergen@mmpgroup.com.au
