By NATALIE GALLENTI
MELTON’S health services are in a “catastrophic” state according to Cr Sophie Ramsey.
At last week’s council meeting, Cr Ramsey spoke candidly about the lack of General Practitioners servicing the municipality.
Cr Bob Turner said figures suggested the City of Melton was at least 40 doctors short of the recommended number per residents.
Cr Ramsey told Star the latest Australia Bureau of Statistics figures revealed the number of doctors per residents stood at one doctor per 900 to 1200 residents, exposing critically low levels.
“Every year we bring thousands of new residents into the municipality … the situation will only get worse,” Cr Ramsey said.
“GPs are working exorbitant hours just to service their own clients … they can’t take on anyone else.”
Cr Ramsey said more and more residents were spending hours waiting in emergency rooms for ailments that should be seen by their local doctor.
“When a family member is sick the last thing you want is to sit and wait at emergency.”
The Coburns ward councillor said residents were unable to develop a rapport with their local GP, so early intervention and treatment of diseases was often put at risk.
“Your own GP can track your health and offer health checks and intervene before your health deteriorates.
“This is a serious situation.
“Lots of money needs to be invested to attract and retain doctors in the area.
“We need to tackle issues like obesity and mental illness before it’s too late.”
She said the council would continue to work closely with Djerriwarrh Health Services and develop strategies to attract doctors to the rapidly-growing municipality.
“When it comes down to it we need to advocate to the State and Federal Governments.”
