Dr Gundi Muller-Grotjan . |
Carmel Sparke WHEN Dr Gundi Muller-Grotjan
told patients she would be forced to close one of her two clinics for a couple of days a week because of a desperate doctor shortage , the response was overwhelming .
“ Apart from all the scones , baked goods , bottles of wine and fresh fish , I actually found dinner on my doorstep the other day ,” Dr Muller-Grotjan said .
Patients had also contacted local media and written to MPs in
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support of their local GPs .
But all the baked goods in the world will not solve the staffing problem — even in a place as beautiful as the far South Coast of NSW .
Dr Muller-Grotjan co-owns two clinics : one in Narooma and the other in Bermagui about a 30-minute drive away .
“ It all came to a head when we realised that , starting early August , we would have to close the Bermagui surgery regularly at least one day a week ,” she said .
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“ I put it out on our social media and put a bit of a spiel on two big whiteboards we have at the practices .
“ It was just saying we have an acute doctor shortage . Please be patient . Please bear with us , and if you want to help us , please write to our local members .”
She managed to secure a locum , but the cost of $ 8500 for four days a week was too much for the long term .
“ The locum doctor was well loved and helped keep the surgery running , but the practice was running
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at a loss employing her ,” said Dr Muller-Grotjan .
“ I have now decided to ask our local councils for better financial support so we can keep going a little longer .” She awaits their response . “ Almost every rural general practice is in the same boat . Our problem is not new ; it is just worse than ever .”
Despite having to “ work her arse off ” with 80-hour weeks , she still loves her work .
“ It is the best job in the world .”
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