A medical centre in Canberra’s north is closing after failing to find new doctors, but an ACT primary health care organisation said the closure is not necessarily linked to a doctor shortage in the territory.
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The Spence Medical Centre at Glassey Place will close its doors on March 29, according to a public notice placed in Tuesday’s Canberra Times.
The centre has been operating for 18 years under owners Dr Maria Cox and Dr Robert Cox, according to its website.
Dr Rashmi Sharma from the ACT Medicare Local said the closure of the Spence centre was not necessarily indicative of a shortage of doctors in Canberra, and may instead be related to the business case for the practice.
“If they actually feel this business may not be viable to run, then they obviously won’t purchase it," Dr Sharma told ABC radio.
“It’s an interesting dynamic. We’re also seeing the move into bigger size practices, and that’s where a lot of GPs prefer to work because there’s more support in terms of nursing support and other doctors."
Dr Sharma said the organisation was conducting a study into a trend of more doctors coming to the ACT, with the results due within the next few months.
She said patients from the practice shouldn't struggle too much to find a new doctor.
“There are lots of doctors in the Belconnen region, so I’d really be saying look, ask your friends and your neighbours who they see, who they’re happy with, and maybe go and try them out as your new GP."
The Spence practice will transfer its patient records to West Belconnen Health Co-Op in Charnwood.
Patients can also request their records be given to them or passed on to a nominated doctor. Requests must be made in person.
Fairfax Media has contacted Spence Medical Centre for comment.
