General News
12 January, 2023
Talbot doctors clinic to close next month
The region will lose another doctor’s clinic next month, with Talbot’s Dr Jim Sharples’ Clinic to close due to increasing costs, staffing difficulties and inability to expand. In a statement released on social media yesterday, the clinic...
The region will lose another doctor’s clinic next month, with Talbot’s Dr Jim Sharples’ Clinic to close due to increasing costs, staffing difficulties and inability to expand.
In a statement released on social media yesterday, the clinic announced it will be closing — with the last day of practice on February 17 — as the clinic is “no longer viable to continue to operate”.
Increasing costs, difficulties with staffing, and the inability to expand to add additional services in the current premises (which would have helped offset some cost factors) were cited as reasons for the closure of the clinic, which has been operating for the past five years.
However, the clinic will be pursuing a telehealth/home visit service in the future.
“We will be pursuing an approach outlined by a valued colleague... Dr Claire Hepper, and will be organising to provide a more personal service via telehealth, and where appropriate, selected home visits,” the statement read.
“We realise that this approach will not suit all people and they would prefer to find a new medical service, which is completely understandable.
“Please let us know, and we will help facilitate a medical record transfer to the new practice of your choice.
“It has been a pleasure to serve the Talbot and wider community for the last five years.”
The closure is another blow to the community after Avoca’s Tristar Medical Clinic — which saw many patients who travelled from Maryborough and surrounds — entered voluntary administration last year.
Dr Jim Sharples’ Clinic noted more updates will be published on their Facebook page over the coming weeks to keep residents informed about how to contact the service after February 17.