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.
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