Call the HACSU Helpline
1300 88 00 32

more info

Summer 2006

Ouse Hospital Bed Closures

Staff at Ouse Hospital, in the Derwent Valley, were notified recently that the four acute beds at the hospital would be closed. This leaves the hospital with only six aged care beds continuing to operate, with no new admissions being accepted. These cuts mean the hospital has effectively been downgraded to a health centre.

The closed beds had been used for patents who required palliative care, rehabilitation or convalescence and for patients with minor or chronic conditions.

The closure came about in response to a failure to secure the services of a general practitioner to service the hospital.

Until April, a general practitioner who operated a private practice on the Ouse Hospital site had provided medical services. In April, this service was taken over by the Derwent Valley Medical Practice, based in New Norfolk

The Derwent Valley Medical Practice has recently sought approval from the Federal
Government to allow them to bring an additional overseas trained doctor to the area. In order to do this, the practice needed to have the Derwent Valley classified as an 'area of workforce shortage'.

However, the Federal Government did not grant approval and the Derwent Valley Medical Practice has been unable to recruit a general practitioner by other means, and as such has chosen to close its Ouse practice.

At this stage, staffing levels have been maintained but members remain concerned that in the long-term, if a general practitioner cannot be found, further closures may be announced.

Ouse Hospital delegate Margaret Goss explained, "It's a wait and see situation, but we need the extra beds, the patients are out there but we can't take them."

The State Government and the Central Highlands Council have formed a special working group in an attempt to secure the necessary medical services for the Hospital.

Acting Don Colleen Smith assured workers that while "there are still a lot of discussions and negotiations to be had, it is looking positive at this stage."

The recent bed closure mirrors a similar situation in 1992, when the Hospital was almost closed down. "In 1992 we had this situation and we were all ready to close the doors at 3 pm when a doctor from Hobart called at 2 pm and said, 'I believe you want a doctor,'" recalled Margaret. Staff at Ouse Hospital and the local community will be hoping for a similar reprieve this time around.