A $16 million cut to after hours medical care across the country could put the Hunter's GP Access service in danger of closing, Sharon Claydon has warned.
Newcastle's Federal Labor MP said the allocation of funds for after hours care via Primary Health Networks in the 2022 budget was "grim news" for the Hunter, as any further erosion of funding to GP Access could render the service "economically unviable".
"We know we have the best service in the country and we have been worried about the steady erosion of its funding locally, but now it seems - based on budget papers from this year and budget papers from last year - that we are already looking at $16 million in cuts to after hours services in Australia," Ms Claydon said. "That doesn't bode well for us in Newcastle because we know the health minister also has a review sitting on his desk which, if he implements the recommendations, will see significant cuts in that service to the point where it renders our after hours care unviable.
"It would remove millions of dollars out of the GP Access After Hours budget and that would be the end of that service, if that happens."
Ms Claydon said the local service had already lost its Calvary Mater clinic, and the hours had been reduced at other sites.
"The idea that you would be cutting back the service you know is relieving your emergency departments in every state and territory hospital, particularly now, seems very reckless," she said.
Dr Annette Carruthers, one of the founders of the Hunter's GP Access, said the service could "fall away completely" with further cuts, and the community would be "substantially worse off".
"There are overheads... There is quite a possibility might not be able to sustain the after hours service with further cuts," she said.
"Our emergency department is already groaning. The first patient I saw on my last shift had sat in the emergency department for five hours before being directed to GP Access. They were out in 15 minutes after I saw them. That is happening more and more.
"Healthcare doesn't just happen 9 to 5. A lot of health problems arise after hours."
The Hunter and Central Coast Primary Health Network declined to comment, and Hunter Primary Care - which runs GP Access After Hours, was also contacted for comment.
