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· Health Minister had plenty of warning over Risdon Vale Medical Centre’s situation

· Closure will put further pressure on already stretched health services

· Labor first raised concerns in 2017

Michael Ferguson’s inaction will leave an entire Tasmanian community without a medical centre.

Labor first flagged concerns about the future of the Risdon Vale Medical Centre in October 2017 and has repeatedly sought action or assurances from Health Minister Michael Ferguson that he would ensure locals had access to doctors.

“Despite strong action from Labor and the community – the RVMC will close its doors in June and Michael Ferguson is standing by doing nothing,” Labor Member for Franklin Alison Standen said.

“The State Government has historically taken action to ensure the delivery of services in areas of market failure or workforce shortage and should step up now for the people of Risdon Vale.”

If the RVMC closes this would:

· Have dire consequences for the health and wellbeing of the Risdon Vale community due to the lack of affordable and accessible primary health care options for residents;

· Place additional demand on hospital and ambulance services as well as other local services like the Neighbourhood Centre

· Threaten the viability of other services including those provided by the Risdon Vale Pharmacy.

Labor Member for Franklin David O’Byrne said: “The Liberals need to step up and ensure the continuity of the GP practice at Risdon Vale.

“Members of this community rely on this medical centre and if it goes, it is inevitable that the pharmacy will struggle to survive too.”

Shadow Health Minister and Member for Rumney Sarah Lovell said: “This is what Michael Ferguson doesn’t understand about Tasmania’s health system.

“His inaction will lead to even more pressure on ambulance services and the Royal Hobart Hospital.

“It is extraordinary that Michael Ferguson would allow the RVMC to close its doors at a time when Tasmania is in the grips of his health crisis.”

Sarah Lovell MLC

Shadow Health Minister

Alison Standen MP

Labor Member for Franklin

David O’Byrne MP

Labor Member for Franklin