Health Minister intervenes to save Tailem Bend medical centre

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Tailem Bend’s medical centre will stay open after being granted a reprieve by SA Health.

Locals were shocked last week when the Murraylands Medical Centre announced its imminent closure over a dispute with the Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network.

However, the two sides returned to the negotiating table on Tuesday of this week, and the clinic reopened its doors on Wednesday.

In a statement, state Health Minister Chris Picton said he had personally intervened to avert disaster.

“As soon as I became aware of this issue, I asked the local health network to work with the GP practice to resolve the issue and I’m pleased this has now occurred,” he said.

“I thank both parties for working constructively together.

“I hope that this relieves the concerns of the Tailem Bend community.”

SA Health confirmed that a settlement had been reached.

“We will work to draw up a contract that will ensure the future of the service,” a spokeswoman said.

“We are very happy that it will remain open and able to continue caring for the Tailem Bend community.”

At this stage, the clinic will open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9am-5pm.

Its operating hours will be extended if its owners, Solitaire Medical Group, are able to recruit more doctors.

Local Michael Kozikowski was first to share the good news on a community Facebook group.

“Let’s hope that this sheds more light on the structure of the country health networks and how their actions have a direct impact on the most vulnerable in our society,” he said.

“Say no to a centralised system in Murray Bridge.”