It is particularly devastating news because it is the only fully bulk-billing practice in town, leaving many residents - already grappling with financial hardship - without accessible healthcare.
The Corowa community has a significant proportion of elderly residents averaging eight years older than the NSW state average who rely heavily on accessible healthcare services.
In an economic climate where financial pressure is mounting, having a bulk-billing option is not just important, it is essential.
For many in the community, losing this service means having to make difficult choices between their health and other basic needs.
Beyond the immediate impact on individuals, the closure raises critical questions about the broader healthcare system. The volume of patients who will now likely turn to the Emergency Department (ED) at Corowa Hospital for non-urgent medical needs is a major concern.
Corowa Hospital, part of the Murrumbidgee Local Health District, is already under strain and not designed to handle a surge in primary care cases.
This shift will not only put additional pressure on the ED but could also compromise care for those facing genuine emergencies.
Sole doctor, Dr Neetu Shokeen, a long-standing and respected figure in Corowa’s healthcare landscape, has been the cornerstone of the Mediclinic. She is reportedly “very disappointed about leaving Corowa”.
Dr Neetu’s commitment to the community is evident. She has made Corowa her home and provided compassionate care to countless residents. However, rumours suggest that the clinic has been operating at a loss, a claim that has left many locals bewildered, given the high volume of patients seen daily.
This has sparked questions about whether changes to the clinic's business model, such as a mixed billing approach, could have made it financially sustainable.
Another key concern is the management of patient care during and after the transition. What will happen to patient records? How will prescriptions be managed during the handover period? Will the Lavington clinic – to where Dr. Neeta is reportedly moving - be able to cope with the influx of Corowa patients?
Reports of unanswered calls and overwhelmed staff at Lavington have already caused anxiety among residents who depend on regular, timely access to their GP.
Hospital’s operating theatre’s temporary closure
Compounding the concerns around health care in the community is the temporary closure of the Corowa Hospital’s operating theatre. Surgery at Corowa Health Service has been paused temporarily to allow for required maintenance.
Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) has sought specialised, independent advice on the options available in respect of additional maintenance regarding Corowa Hospital’s operating theatre.
As reported in the Free Press on November 20 The Rural Doctors’ Association of NSW (RDANSW) is seeking commitment from the MLHD the Corowa Operating Theatre will not be permanently closed and that the theatre can re-open as soon as possible.
President, RDA NSW Dr Rachel Christmas said the MLHD was previously advised it was waiting to receive three quotes for the required maintenance work which includes replacing HEPA filters in the theatre.
“Our rural doctor members are very concerned that while the theatre is closed, local patients can’t have procedures, including colonoscopies, done in the local hospital, but are being required to be booked in and travel to Albury Wodonga Public Hospital (AWPH) for their procedures,” she said.
“As well as the cost of travel, there is the stress and inconvenience to patients who also need to organise a driver to take a day off to transport them to and from the hospital…as well as the flow-on impact for AWPH.”
Dr Christmas said that another major concern is the risk of losing medical professionals from the Corowa Hospital who will need to find work in other hospitals so they can maintain their skills.
“This could include operating theatre nurses, the visiting surgeon, the GP Anaesthetist, etcetera,” she said.
“We know from experience that clinicians usually become settled somewhere else if the alternative location offers the certainty of work that they need.
“It is already difficult enough to recruit medical professionals to Corowa due to the increasing demand across Australia for them, and the higher rates offered in other states – we don’t need yet another hurdle!”
Local General Practitioner and Visiting Medical Officer in Corowa, Dr Heinz Deiter, has previously expressed his shock at the situation.
“The temporary closure of our operating theatre in May was a huge shock to the doctors, nurses and patients in Corowa,” he said last week.
“We are determined not to lose this service and need certainty that the Corowa Operating Theatre will re-open soon.”
Endoscopy services are expected to be able to resume at the facility in early 2025.
Need for great collaboration
The situation also highlights the need for greater collaboration between healthcare providers in Corowa.
It is understood the relationship between Mediclinic and Redgum Clinic has been strained in the past, but now is the time for all parties to come together for the good of the community.
Redgum Clinic, along with Corowa Hospital, will need to absorb the additional demand, but without significant support, this will be a daunting task.
Executive Officer of the Regional Business Chamber, John Crothers has called for urgent action.
“This is not just a local issue, it’s a reflection of broader systemic problems in our healthcare system,” he told the Free Press.
“We need to address this federally, and we need to do it now.”
Chair of the Local Health Advisory Committee, Anne Wescott in Corowa stated that “we cannot afford to lose such a vital service without a plan in place to fill the gap”.
Redgum Medical Clinic General Manager Kristen Mann commented to The Free Press: “We are sad to see Dr. Neetu leave”.
“Over the last several years, she has provided excellent service to the Corowa community and will be greatly missed by both patients and staff,” Ms Mann said.
“Redgum Medical Group continues to have appointments available. Children aged 16 and under, as well as pension and health care card holders, are bulk billed the majority of the time.
“While we do our best to accommodate patients promptly, same-day appointments may not always be available.”
In a statement provided to the Free Press on Monday Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) stated it was disappointed to learn of the impending closure of Corowa Mediclinic.
“We recognise that running a medical practice comes with challenges, where recruiting doctors and healthcare staff is increasingly difficult,” MPHN stated.
“We acknowledge the impact this closure will have on the Corowa community and are working with Redgum Medical Group to identify options to support the practice in assisting with the increased patients.
“MPHN is committed to supporting GPs and primary healthcare providers to address workforce challenges and improve access to care. This includes working with local primary healthcare providers, community groups and the Murrumbidgee Local Health District to strengthen healthcare services across the region.
“Should people require any health information and advice, healthdirect is available 24/7 by calling 1800 022 222 or visiting healthdirect.gov.au.”
Federation Council
The subject is sure to be raised at Federation Council’s monthly meeting on November 26, at the time of The Free Press going to print.
Already on the agenda, before Friday’s turn of events, is a letter dated November 6 from Corowa Health Advisory Committee asking council to consider holding a forum with the community on the Albury Wodonga Hospital redevelopment and the issues about the currently inoperative Corowa Hospital theatre.
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