The dispute over provision of medical services to residents at Millicent’s Sheoak Lodge has been resolved.
Doctors from the Medical Clinic Millicent had been at odds with health authorities over accreditation matters.
A Limestone Coast Local Health Network spokesperson said medical services continue to be provided at the 60-bed Sheoak Lodge aged care facility at Millicent Hospital.
“We remain committed to ensuring safe and high-quality care for our residents,” the spokesperson said.
“There has been no cessation of medical services at the site and GPs from the Medical Clinic Millicent continue to provide in-residence care for existing Sheoak Lodge residents as needed.
“After further consultation regarding GP credentialing at Sheoak Lodge, it was determined that GPs within an aged care setting are not required to undergo credentialing via the usual process undertaken by the Regional Credentialing Committee.
“However, we have requested GPs from the Medical Clinic Millicent practising at Sheoak Lodge provide registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, which is in line with standard policies and requirements.
“Service delivery in Millicent is unique in that most of the GPs who provide care within the Residential Aged Care at Sheoak Lodge do not provide care in the acute facility at the Millicent and Districts Hospital and Health Service.
“We continue to work with the Medical Clinic Millicent on the provision of medical services and meeting the health needs of our aged residents.”
The spokesperson said the medical care requirements for any newcomers to Sheoak Lodge would be separately negotiated with the resident, their family and their doctors from across the region.
The Medical Clinic Millicent practice manager Bronwyn Barker said she was pleased the accreditation matters had been resolved.
“Our doctors will continue to treat our clinic patients who move to Sheoak Lodge as well as existing Sheoak Lodge residents,” Ms Barker said.
“However, medical treatment for any others who move to Sheoak Lodge will depend on workforce availability at the Medical Clinic Millicent.”
