“Lilydale deserves its own GP services, and while this is a private clinic the Government will be doing everything we can to see these services continue,” Mr Ferguson said.

“I’ve already contacted management at the clinic and requested an urgent meeting – I want to see these services continue.”

Long-term resident Peter McMurray said a member of the clinic’s staff had confirmed the closure to him on Monday.

He said residents were deeply concerned the reported closure would force them to travel to Launceston for medical treatment, and would struggle to find appointments in Launceston’s already in-demand medical services.

Mr McMurray said he and his wife could afford the cost associated with changing medical providers and travelling to Launceston, but many in the region could not or were not in good health to manage such a change.

Lilydale Medical Centre is owned by Your Health Connect, a Tasmanian-owned business that also owns medical centres at Sheffield, Westbury, Beaconsfield and Evandale.

Your Health Connect was contacted for comment.