June 1, 2023
Rumours the Kingaroy Medical Centre in Youngman Street was about to close have been confirmed.
The practice will close this month after being unable to fill two vacant GP positions.
It follows hard on the heels of the Tribunal-ordered three-month suspension of another Kingaroy doctor, Dr Isabella Jonsson, a situation already described as “catastrophic” by South Burnett Mayor Brett Otto.
southburnett.com.au understands actions are being taken urgently by health authorities to allow overseas-trained doctors attached to Dr Jonsson’s clinic to continue to practice via remote supervision.
Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington said the impending closure of the Kingaroy Medical Centre was a real blow for the South Burnett community.
“I continue to be very concerned about the ongoing shortage of general practitioners in the South Burnett as we have a high level of need in our community, like almost all of regional Queensland,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“The loss of this service places a great deal of pressure on the remaining, overworked GPs, along with our hospitals.
“I will continue to work with our local Federal Members, David Littleproud, Llew O’Brien and Colin Boyce to advocate for our region.”
Attempts by southburnett.com.au to contact Kingaroy Medical Centre for a comment have been unsuccessful.
