Salaried doctors to replace locums at Wallaroo Hospital

Member for Narungga Fraser Ellis MP welcomed the confirmation in Parliament today that Wallaroo Hospital is to house three salaried doctors in the near future.

“The Wallaroo Hospital is the major hospital in our electorate, and it is pleasing to see that it will be treated as such with this announcement,” Mr Ellis said.

“Funding has been approved for three General Practitioners to start full time work as salaried medical officers in the Wallaroo Hospital, which reflects the work done since the Rural Health Workforce Plan was released in 2019 which rightly recommended this recruitment as a priority.

“I receive a large number of complaints about regional health services, including at Wallaroo Hospital, and it is pleasing to see proactive steps being taken to address staffing concerns.

“It has long been recognised that the locum, contracted fee for service model is not sustainable and this investment will improve continuity of care and offer improved support for all who work at the hospital.

“Addressing regional health care deficiencies was one of my primary inspirations for nominating for parliament and I sincerely hope this will make a difference to the people of the Copper Coast,” Mr Ellis said.