Several months after the opening of the new Bulli Hospital facility, an Illawarra MP says a "chronic doctor shortage" is leaving a Care Centre without a doctor for days on end and sending patients to other facilities.
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Keira MP and NSW opposition health spokesman Ryan Park said he was concerned by reports the new Urgent Primary Care Centre was regularly without a doctor on staff.
Mr Park said residents were reporting they were being turned away as there was no doctor available at the hospital.
Mr Park said a local patient was recently told to attend Corrimal Medical Centre or Wollongong Hospital to seek treatment for abdominal pain. He said the patient was also informed by hospital staff that no doctor would be available at the Bulli facility the following day.
"People have the right to expect to speak with a doctor when attending a brand new, $54 million state-of-the-art hospital," Mr Park said.
Mr Park said the community was losing confidence in the facility and there was a real risk people might stop using it in the future.
"It is simply unacceptable people are being turned away and told there won't be a doctor available that day or the following day," he said.
The new $54 million Bulli Hospital opened in August 2020, and offers an Urgent Primary Health Centre and a specialist Aged Care Centre.
Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District chief executive Margot Mains said the Urgent Care Centre treated patients who presented with minor illnesses and injuries.
"The centre operates from 7am to 10pm every day and one registered nurse and one doctor are on duty," she said.
"Patients presenting to the UCC are triaged by the registered nurse on duty, who determines the treatment plan or referral to an appropriate service.
"Patients may be redirected to Wollongong Hospital or their nearest medical centre if a doctor is unavailable and this is a safe option for the patient.
"From time to time there are shortages in the availability of doctors at the UCC. Hospital management makes every effort to fill all shifts, however as with many workplaces, school holidays and long weekends are particularly popular for leave.
"The District acknowledges the challenges in attracting appropriate staff to the UCC and an external review will be conducted into the staffing of this facility so that a long-term resolution of this matter can be achieved."
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