GPs resent health minister’s remarks
Family doctors will resent comments made by the Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon that GPs who have medical practices near government-funded Super Clinics need to question the services they offer, said Dr Adrian Sheen, President of Doctors Action.
Doctors Action supports comments by AMA National Vice President, Dr Steve Hambleton that GP Super Clinics amount to "unfair competition".
According to the organisation's statement, "Doctors work very hard in a competitive environment. We even train our future competitors who are able to open a practice anywhere they wish to."
"Now the Federal Government using taxpayer's money wants to open 'super-sized subsidised medical clinics' next to established small family practices.
Doctors Action also believes that a claim that Emergency Departments will have substantial relief from GP Super Clinics needs careful examination. We would like to see the Government's research into this claim."
"Doctors Action wants to see patients have a choice of family doctor. We do not believe that the failed ideas of the UK health system should be imported into Australia."
According to Dr Sheen, "The reality is that surveys continually show that Australians highly value their family doctor. If the system ain't broke, why are we trying to fix it?"