AMA Queensland is today calling on the Government to support Queensland GPs as Health Minister Nicola Roxon opens the Strathpine Super Clinic in North Brisbane today.

AMA Queensland President Dr Mason Stevenson said Government spending on Super Clinics could be better used to support GPs in established practices throughout the State.

“If a Super Clinic has the potential to cater for an unmet need then we would certainly support it because it would benefit Queensland patients,” Dr Stevenson said.

“But in the majority of cases Super Clinics are being built in areas where there are already sufficient medical services available.

“What we really need is additional funding and support for hardworking GPs who have been providing healthcare to their local community for many years.”

Dr Stevenson said duplicating services could also drive GPs out of their local community.

“If established medical practices are forced to compete with a Super Clinic, GPs may be driven to unwillingly abandon their practice and their patients,” he said.

“We cannot support an initiative that will see Queensland patients lose their local GP.

“We need the Government to invest in supporting local GPs who have provided years of service to their community with whom they have built strong relationships and a guarantee of continuity of care,” he said.

United General Practice Australia (UGPA)* proposed in a letter to Nicola Roxon last year that grants committed to fund GP Super Clinics be used to improve existing medical practices and support local GPs.

AMA Queensland is the state’s peak health organisation which exists to advance the professional interests of doctors and the health of the community. It is an independent organisation which represents 5500 doctors - public and private specialists and general practitioners.

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* Comprised of the Australian Medical Association, The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, the Rural Doctors Association of Australia, General Practice Registrars Australia and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine.

Contact: AMA Queensland Susan Peterson (07) 3872 2209 or Mobile: 0419 735 641