The Australian Medical Association (AMA) says a shortage of doctors is hampering the federal government’s urgent care clinic service after the operator of a site in regional South Australia entered liquidation.
Ahead of the last federal election Labor promised the clinics would be open from 8am–10pm every day, as a way to ease the pressure on GPs and emergency departments.
But staff shortages have led to the Mount Gambier clinic reducing its opening hours, as well as regular full and part-day closures.
Last week the company contracted to operate the clinic, Paion Medical, entered liquidation.
The clinic is still operating while its future is decided.
Australian Medical Association South Australia president John Williams, who practises in…
