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Rural GPs sick and tired (Shepparton News, opinion editorial)
11 February 2010. By Dr Harry Hemley.
Gaining timely access to a GP when you are sick has been problem for the Goulburn Valley community for more than a decade and new data suggests it could get a lot worse.
In a recent survey, more than one third of country GPs told AMA Victoria they planned to leave rural practice within five years.
We knew we would lose a substantial number of doctors to retirement over the next few years, but the survey reveals that many more doctors are ready to abandon rural practise because they are burnt out.
Rural GPs are overwhelmed by pressures beyond running their own general practice clinics. They’re seeing patients in the local hospital, being woken up in the night to answer phone calls, and accepting on-call arrangements that prevent them from taking holidays or even spending time with their families.
The Brumby Government has rejected calls over the last few years to invest in rural Victoria and fund a medical workforce rescue plan. We hope that the upcoming election may turn the Premier’s mind towards the future health needs of country Victoria.
The disparity between rural and metropolitan services continues to grow. If people can’t see a GP, chronic conditions go unmanaged, preventative screenings are overlooked and health concerns aren’t flagged before they become serious.
Inadequate access to health care in the country contributes to poorer health outcomes.
Having a regular GP who you trust and feel comfortable with is one of the best things for your health; this isn’t an option for some in the Goulburn Valley.
Victorian GPs and specialists continue to favour metropolitan areas. Despite the great attractions of country practice — more connection with the community, a more interesting case load — younger doctors in particular are nervous about the relentless hours and the lack of support.
We need older, experienced doctors to remain in the rural health workforce to train and mentor these new doctors. These future graduates could form the backbone of rural hospitals in decades to come.
AMA Victoria has put a $94.6 million, four year proposal to the Victorian Government to assist rural Victoria in retaining its local doctors and attracting more medical practitioners to areas in need.
The Victorian Government needs to acknowledge what a great job our rural and regional doctors do in caring for local communities, and ensure they have sustainable workloads, and are well-supported. The profession can’t do it alone.
Dr Harry Hemley is president of the Australian Medical Association Victoria
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