A stark reminder of the taxing economic times we live in, after 13 years, Peppertree Medical in Warwick will close on August 1, with more than 3,000 patients on their books.
When the news broke on July 9, the Fitzroy Street practice issued a statement to their patients, who, beyond locals, range from from Glen Innes to Toowoomba, Urbenville to Inglewood, of the "economically unsustainable" reasons behind the closure.
Practice founder Barbara Austin told The Town & Country Journal that, “Operational challenges and recent changes to government funding have impacted our ability to continue."
Further, they “acknowledge the growing strain on rural healthcare services across Australia and hope that awareness of this situation leads to broader, positive change".
Ms Austin said their collective hope is to “focus on what truly matters” in the “care and commitment we have shared with this community” up until the closure.
“Though our practice is closing, we hope the spirit of support and connection we have helped foster, continues to grow throughout the region.”
Peppertree Medical has delivered what they and others describe as "comprehensive care, from general check-ups and skin cancer management, to chronic disease support and nursing home visits", with Dr Rob Angus and a committed team.
Peppertree are reorganising the fortnightly echocardiogram clinic that operates from the clinic, Ms Austin confirmed, as they "receive referrals from different hospitals, general practices and specialists for this service".
“For many, it has been more than a clinic, it has been a safe and welcoming place to access healthcare,” Ms Austin said, thanking the community for support.
“Your kind words, trust, and even your offers of help, as we prepare to close have meant the world to us - you've become extended family,” she added of being "honoured to care for the community".
The practice flagged the following challenges in their communication to patients:
The Albanese government’s recent reductions to Medicare chronic disease funding for General Practice
A major and unexpected increase in clinic rent
An inability to source a permanent GP after 12 months
Increasing employment costs
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