The Interchange Health Co-operative at Tuggeranong has closed its doors, saying it's made the "deeply difficult and disappointing decision" to enter voluntary administration. The GP and allied health clinic had almost 5,000 patients on its books, but under its fully bulk-billed business model has struggled to raise enough income to cover costs and attract enough doctors.
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00:00Closed until further notice. Patients arriving at the Interchange Health Co-op today were
00:08greeted by locked doors and notice of its closure in windows. The practice shut yesterday,
00:14a move it called the only responsible option.
00:18This was a deeply difficult and disappointing decision, the board said, adding it has been
00:23extremely challenging to raise sufficient income to cover true operational costs. Part
00:29of its work included opioid replacement therapy.
00:32I've only just got it all sorted. It took a few months to get the dose right and I'm
00:40due to have my injection tomorrow.
00:43Mariam Kazali-Dobson and her mother Farrah had appointments booked at Interchange within
00:48the fortnight. Finding a replacement could be a tall order.
00:52We don't know where to go to now. That would offer both quality and affordable GP
00:59support together with allied health.
01:02I am very concerned, Mr Assistant Speaker, for the Interchange Health Co-op patients who
01:08will be affected by this closure.
01:10A closure that could further reduce the ACT's already low bulk billing rate.
01:15It really pushes home that bulk billing isn't a viable financial model for long-term quality
01:23general practice care.
01:25Patients too fear the closure is a symptom of a bigger problem.
01:28When I came to Australia 13 years ago, I got the green Medicare and I was confident that
01:35I can go to a local GP. I'll be bulk billed and my mental health will be looked after.
01:40Over a decade later, I don't have that level of confidence now.
01:43A decision on the future of Interchange is expected next month.