Local GPs recently met with key stakeholders including representatives from the hospital, Hunter New England Health, Local Health Committee and council to discuss the issue which came to a head recently.

Doctors from the Barber Street Practice and North West Family Medical attended, along with Gunnedah Rural Health Centre Chairman Keith Perrett.

The meeting follows concerns earlier this year about the roster which has been under pressure due to staff shortages. Doctors from the Rural Health Centre have been criticised by colleagues for not participating in on-call duties in recent months, with claims those from other practices are carrying the workload, along with locums.

The health centre however is calling for a fairer roster system and more flexibility. 

Gunnedah Health Service Manager Melissa O’Brien said the health service has been working with local GPs and other key stakeholders to finalise coverage of the emergency department on-call roster at the hospital. 

She said the meeting identified some principles for staffing the roster that would draw on contributions from all GP clinics. 

“The GP clinics can take these principles back to their doctors to consider, and further discussions will take place to finalise the details.”

It’s understood some of the discussions included changes to roster shift lengths from 24 hours to 12 or even six hours if possible, however this would depend on having appropriate doctors to share the shifts/roster. 

Others included the second on-call doctor could be called more often, if needed, to relieve pressure on the first on-call; that all roster participants should contribute a minimum of 48 hours per month; the roster be equitable; and new Visiting Medical Officers (VMOs) would receive a six month temporary contract.

Ms O’Brien said Gunnedah patients attending the ED will continue to receive the care they need by trained medical staff.