By Vanessa Chircop
ACCESS to GPs in Hobsons Bay needs to dramatically improve, according to a new report.
In 2009 there was just one general practitioner per 1683 people living in Hobsons Bay.
Last week, the council received a report on Health Services Planning for Hobsons Bay and the Western Metropolitan Region which noted the municipality needed to improve its access to GPs.
With many of Hobsons Bay’s GPs at retirement or pre-retirement age in 2007 and three quarters of practices having GP vacancies, residents in Hobsons Bay have a harder time getting in to see a doctor than other parts of the state.
In order to meet the Federal Government’s benchmark and to replace GPs planning to retire, medical practices in Hobsons Bay would need to recruit and attract an additional 10 to 17 GPs by 2015.
The report noted cardiovascular disease, mental disorders and diabetes to be among the top seven disease burdens for the Hobsons Bay population.
It suggested good access to primary health services such as GPs was important for reducing the prevalence and onset of these illnesses.
Upon receiving the report, Cr Peter Hemphill said access to GPs in Hobsons Bay was well below the state average.
“I know when my family’s had to go the GP it’s difficult to get in – it just reflects the difficulties right across the region,” he said.
Cr Hemphill also noted a property on Hall St Spotswood which the council approved to be used for the development of a medical centre and pharmacy in August.
The property now appears to be up for sale and will be auctioned in October, dashing residents hopes of a medical centre.
Director Planning and Environment Peter Gaschk said the permit for the medical centre (office) and pharmacy is attached to the land and would be sold with the site.
“If a new owner is found, they can either develop a medical centre or submit an alternative application.”
The reports fact sheet can be found at www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au//Files/GPFactSheet.pdf.
