Calls for Hunter New England Health to implement temporary workforce solution to Gunnedah's critical doctor shortage

Amid the fallout, there is a new call from both the federal and state governments for an immediate temporary workforce solution, while a longer-term fix to the problem is still being worked on.

Federal Member for Parkes and Regional Health Minister Mark Coulton and State Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson again called on Hunter New England Health (HNEH) to immediately implement a temporary solution on Friday.

HNEH last week put out a second expression of interest (EOI) to attract GPs and other health professionals to run the Gunnedah Rural Health Centre, after three proposals to run the centre were knocked back in April.

Mr Coulton and Mr Anderson encouraged all health professionals to respond to the new EOI.

"We have had assurances HNEH is committed to delivering GP services in the centre and that HNEH has proactively engaged in a recruitment drive to bring a permanent medical workforce to the clinic," the joint statement read.

"HNEH went to the market to secure GP services at the Rural Health Centre with the focus squarely on attracting new doctors to practise in Gunnedah.

"It is incumbent on HNEH to ensure the immediate need for health professionals is addressed while this process continues."

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The new call comes after Northwest Family Medical issued a statement encouraging the community to contact their local member or the Minister for Regional Health regarding the situation, rather than letting out their frustration on local health staff and receptionists.

The medical practice acknowledged the frustration amongst the community regarding the doctor shortage, however urged people not to take this out on staff.

"Please understand that it is not the fault of the reception staff that we do not have any appointments and currently cannot accept any new patients," the statement read.

"The staff at Northwest Family Medical should not be subjected to any form of verbal abuse.

"Anyone who perpetrates any form of abuse of our staff, including online, will be permanently banned from appointments at this practice.

"Please show respect, we are all dealing with this together. We have no further comment to make on this issue, however, we will continue to actively seek a solution to the doctor shortage."

Committee members working on a parliamentary inquiry into health outcomes and services in rural, regional and remote areas of NSW will visit Gunnedah on Wednesday, June 16.