The Launceston General Hospital is on the hunt for a full-time gastroenterologist as specialist Dr Ray Wilson enters semi-retirement.
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Launceston independent MLC Rosemary Armitage said she had been told by doctors the hospital would more than halve its gastroenterology clinics for new patients when Dr Wilson reduced his hours.
Dr Wilson is one of five gastroenterologists at the LGH and it is understood the hospital will hire a locum as it looks for a full-time specialist to fill his role.
A Tasmanian Health Service spokesman said: “The Launceston General Hospital has begun a recruitment campaign to attract a gastroenterology specialist. Dr Ray Wilson has recently reduced his hours of work at the LGH and the hospital is looking to recruit to the role.”
Ms Armitage, the Australian Medical Association’s Northern assistant, said it was important Dr Wilson’s position was filled quickly.
“Patients will need to be referred elsewhere or admitted to an already at-capacity hospital,” she said.
“Imagine you receive a positive result from your bowel cancer screening, can’t afford private health insurance and your GP has no alternative but to refer you to your local hospital. No one should have to go through months of uncertainty, fear and psychological distress waiting for an answer.”
The most recent Tasmanian public health data shows an average waiting time of 488 days to see a specialist at the LGH.
However, patients whose needs are deemed urgent are seen within an average of 169 days, and the Department of Health and Human Services has explained that most people who need to see a specialist will not be placed on a wait list.