The NT Government has been questioned again over emergency arrangements for Katherine with the closure of Gorge Health tomorrow.
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As the NT Primary Health Network has already stated, an interim health clinic is being established in the town, but they are still trying to recruit doctors for it.
Katherine Hospital is preparing for an influx of new patients in the meantime.
"Katherine Hospital is assessing staffing and resourcing requirements in the Emergency Department to manage the expected increase in demand while NTPHN develops an interim and longer term solution for the provision of GP services in Katherine," a NT Health spokeswoman said.
"Our community needs to know what the Government is doing to help with this crisis," Katherine MLA Jo Hersey said.
"Patients needing attention will either have to travel to Darwin or visit the hospital, following the closure of this service.
This will put extra strain on patients, especially vulnerable or elderly patients, and also on the Territory's healthcare system," Mrs Hersey said.
Health Minister, Natasha Fyles said: "I have written to the Federal Government's Primary Health Network and Health Minister Hunt regarding the closure of Gorge Health in Katherine to alert them to the potential impact the closure may have.
"They are across the matter, and I am confident the Primary Health Network will find a sustainable solution to this matter to ensure Katherine residents receive the primary health care they need close to home."
Mrs Hersey said the Health Minister needs to explain to the Katherine community how the Government is going to help until, hopefully, a buyer can be found to take over the GP clinic.
"This has been an ongoing issue and something I've been dealing with every day since my election, so the Government cannot say this has come out of the blue.
More reading: Health crisis raised in Parliament.
"Around 8000 patients use the GP service in Katherine, including many elderly members of the community. There is a lot of concern and angst among these residents about how they will access healthcare from tomorrow.
"Last week in Parliament the Minister wanted to play politics about whether or not I'd been offered a briefing on the issue. I don't care about that, what I care about is knowing what the Government is going to do to help. Leave the silly politics out of it.
"The Minister claimed there are contingency plans. What are they? There are concerned people who need to know.
"Ultimately the best resolution will be for a new buyer to continue the GP clinic's operation. In the meantime, the Gunner Labor Government should explain how it will help out and fill the gap," Mrs Hersey said.
Gorge Health has said any patients wanting to access their medical records can request them via email: practicemanager@gorgehealth.com.au.
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