EXPRESS The
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
Locally owned and proudly independent
Rule change to fix doc shortage By Michael Serenc
A
N archaic rule preventing overseas-trained doctors from working on the Tablelands is causing a shortfall in the number of general practitioners (GPs) available in Mareeba. North Queensland Primary Health Network chairman Trent Twomey said both Mareeba and Atherton are hamstrung by the fact the area is not allowed to recruit overseas-trained GPs, due to the region not being classified as a “District of Workforce Shortage” (DWS) by the Federal Department of Health. The map considers coastal towns such as Port Douglas and Innisfail as places that qualify as a DWS and therefore allow an overseas trained doctor to practice there, as well as access the Medicare Benefits Scheme. Under the Federal Health Insurance Act 1973, overseas-trained GPs must practice in a DWS for 10 years before they can go elsewhere for work. Mr Twomey said councils and the local community needed to lobby the Fed-
eral Government to classify Mareeba and Atherton as a DWS so foreign doctors could practice on the Tablelands and alleviate the current shortage. “There’s a lot of things that a proactive local government can do to stimulate the health sector of the economy,” he said. “If you’ve got a thriving, not-for-profit general practice network, it relieves pressure on the State’s hospitals which enables the State to use its finite resources to invest in those higher-order, acute services.” Amaroo Medical owner Dr Cheryl Harnischfeger said she had already noticed an increase in the number of patient referrals to her clinic from Mareeba Hospital as outpatient services there continued to feel the strain. “Already we’re starting to see referrals from the hospital advising patients to find a regular GP,” she said. “Because there is such a shortage of doctors, there’s no real bulk-billing facilities up this way. CONTINUED Page 3
Our Gracyn a racing success GRACYN Marsterson is the teen that stopped a nation. The Mareeba girl was crowned winner of the Melbourne Cup Carnival’s prestigious Oaks Day before nearly clinching the Myer Fashions on the Field National Final last Thursday. But Ms Marsterson isn’t letting the fame go to her head, proud to fly the flag for her home town. FULL STORY – PAGE 3
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
What’s New at Amaroo? For sale
Display Home Open
QBSA 1147412
36 Karobean Drive 10am - 3pm Sat & Sun in November Debbie Sweedman 0409 321 000
www.amarooestate.com.au