Why GPs don’t want to work in rural hospitals
Key issues are long hours, no back-up and poor hospital culture that doesn't support GPs, say local doctors and health execs
Dr Nebras Yahya has been trying to find a doctor for more than two years to work with him in the NSW rural town of Gulgong.
Along with another GP, Dr Yahya provides care for the town’s 2500 residents. But he is the only doctor on call at the four-bed hospital, the Gulgong Multipurpose Service (MPS).
“It’s hard work, it’s a difficult role” he tells 6minutes.
“Some days you get called to the hospital, and don’t get back to the clinic that day and all those appointments have to be cancelled. Just one patient can ruin the whole day’s clinic.”
