Public meeting called about Tailem Bend’s GP clinic
The coming closure of the Murraylands Medical Centre threatens to leave the town without a doctor – now locals are invited to find out what’s being done about it.
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Tailem Bend residents are invited to hear about what’s being done to ensure the future of medical services in the community at a public meeting to be held on August 12.
The only GP clinic in the town, the Murraylands Medical Centre, announced last month that it would close in October.
Director Sanjeev Sabharwal said the medical centre had struggled to attract qualified staff or achieve financial sustainability.
Since then, the Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network (LHN) and Coorong council have been involved in talks about how to secure access to ongoing health care in the community.
At the meeting, both organisations will give an update on their efforts to attract and retain GPs and support public health.
Community members will have an opportunity to ask questions and express their concerns.
Acting Mayor Jonathan Pietzsch acknowledged that locals had plenty of both.
“These are challenging times for our community, and uncertainty around access to local healthcare services is causing genuine concern for residents,” he said.
“Council continues to advocate strongly on their behalf, and is working collaboratively with the Riverland Mallee Coorong LHN, state government representatives and other key stakeholders to explore solutions and support the continuation of local medical services.
“This meeting is an important opportunity for residents to hear first-hand about the work being undertaken and to ask questions directly of those involved.”
LHN CEO Wayne Champion echoed Cr Pietzsch’s concern.
“We recognise the importance of local healthcare services to the Tailem Bend community and understand the concerns residents have regarding the future of GP services,” he said.
“RMC LHN is committed to working collaboratively with council, healthcare providers and the broader community to identify and support sustainable healthcare solutions.”
Cr Pietzsch, Mr Champion and Coorong Health Service health advisory council presiding member Julie Barrie will all be present at the meeting, to be held at 6pm on Tuesday, August 18 at Tailem Bend Town Hall.
This is not the first time the future of Tailem Bend’s medical centre has been thrown into question.
The centre closed for a week in June 2025, almost without warning, and reopened only after being bailed out by the state government.
- Read more: Tailem Bend doctor fights back
