As concerns are being raised about the future of the Hunter’s GP Access After-Hours service, the head of the organisation that administers it has resigned.
Hunter Medicare Local says its CEO Carol Bennett, who only took up the post in February this year, has left the job due to the ill health of a family member.
The organisation’s Chair Karen Howard says the Board appreciate Ms Bennett’s efforts and wish her well into the future.
Ms Howard says John Baillie, who is a previous CEO with NovaCare, will replace Ms Bennett as head of the organisation, effective immediately.
The Federal Government has announced it will cut funding to all Medicare Locals around Australia from mid 2015, when it will put in place a system of ‘Primary Health Networks’.
The ABC has been told some Hunter region doctors are concerned the after-hours GP clinics, which have been operating in the region for more than a decade, could be in jeopardy.
Ms Howard says Hunter Medicare Local has a strong depth of talent which will hold the organisation in good stead as it moves towards the Primary Health Network changes.