Key Takeaways
- Doctor Chris Webster’s country practice, Leongatha Healthcare, has closed due to financial turmoil
- Webster plans to reopen a solo practice in another building in town within weeks
- The closure is a result of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners stripping Webster of his right to supervise other doctors
- Webster was punished by the medical regulator for comments he made about triple murderer Erin Patterson
- The community has been supportive of Webster, and he is determined to continue serving them
Introduction to the Closure of Leongatha Healthcare
The small town of Leongatha in South Gippsland has been left without a longstanding GP clinic after Leongatha Healthcare closed its doors due to financial difficulties. The clinic, which was owned by Doctor Chris Webster and his wife, had been serving the community for many years. However, the decision to close the clinic was made after the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners stripped Webster of his right to supervise other doctors, making it no longer viable to run the clinic at a large scale.
The Events Leading to the Closure
The events that led to the closure of Leongatha Healthcare began in 2023 when Webster alerted police to triple murderer Erin Patterson. Patterson had arrived at Leongatha Hospital complaining of gastro-like symptoms, but Webster was concerned about her behavior and phoned Triple Zero to request a police check on her wellbeing. This crucial point would come to define the next two years of Webster’s life and ultimately lead to the closure of his clinic. In September, Webster was punished by the medical regulator for comments he made about Patterson, describing her as a "crazy bitch" and a "disturbed sociopathic nut bag". The punishment meant that Webster was no longer able to supervise other doctors, and some doctors at his clinic had to reduce their working hours, rendering consultation rooms useless.
The Impact of the Closure
The closure of Leongatha Healthcare has had a significant impact on the community, with several hundred patients left without a regular GP. However, Webster is determined to continue serving the community and plans to reopen a solo practice in another building in town within weeks. He has been working feverishly to get everything lined up and expects to be practising again in as few as three weeks. All staff at the clinic will receive their entitlements, and existing patients have been informed of the clinic’s closure. Webster has been grateful for the support of the community, who have rallied around him during this difficult time.
The Community’s Support
The community has been a source of strength for Webster, who has been overwhelmed by the support he has received. When he told the local pizza shop owner about the closure of the clinic, there were already three opportunities for local leases. Webster feels like "the universe is saying it will be OK" and is determined to continue serving the community. He has been touched by the kindness and generosity of the people in Leongatha and is grateful for their loyalty. The community’s support has given Webster the courage to continue practising as a GP, despite the challenges he has faced.
The Future of Leongatha Healthcare
Despite the closure of Leongatha Healthcare, Webster is determined to continue serving the community. He plans to reopen a solo practice in another building in town, where he will be the sole doctor. Webster is confident that he can provide the same level of care and service to his patients, even if it is on a smaller scale. He is excited about the opportunity to start anew and is looking forward to continuing to serve the community that has supported him through this difficult time. With the support of the community and his own determination, Webster is confident that he can overcome the challenges he has faced and continue to provide quality healthcare to the people of Leongatha.
Conclusion
The closure of Leongatha Healthcare is a significant loss for the community, but Webster’s determination to continue serving the community is a testament to his commitment to his patients. Despite the challenges he has faced, Webster is determined to provide quality healthcare to the people of Leongatha and is grateful for the support of the community. The future of Leongatha Healthcare may be uncertain, but one thing is clear: Webster is dedicated to continuing to serve the community that has supported him through thick and thin.
