AMA(SA) President visiting the Limestone Coast for vital health check-up

Dr Williams will meet local doctors to discuss the shortage and other issues affecting local healthcare when he hosts a dinner and Q&A night at The Barn in Mount Gambier on Thursday 29 August.

He’s concerned about the ongoing impact on patients due to limited access to anaesthetists and other specialists. 

‘The lack of anaesthetists on the Limestone Coast is contributing to long delays for patients who are waiting for planned surgeries,;’ he said. ‘Many patients are very unwell and in pain, with their conditions worsened as they wait for essential procedures,’ Dr Williams said.

‘Those who seek treatment in Adelaide  face long waiting lists there, too, due to the months-long code yellow that has led to the postponement of hundreds of surgeries.’

Dr Williams said he had raised his concerns with Health Minister Chris Picton, which triggered the formation of a statewide anaesthetic working group. 

‘We know there’s a nationwide shortage of anaesthetists, but there are clearly some problems at the state level compounding the shortfall in specific areas, including the Limestone Coast,’ he said.

‘The working group may not be able to fix everything, but hopefully it will lead to a fair and even distribution of anaesthetist services across the state.

‘I look forward to hearing more from Limestone Coast doctors about possible solutions I can take back to Minister Picton.’

Dr Williams’ visit to the Limestone Coast is the next stop on a rural tour he’s conducting across the state.

As a GP in Port Lincoln and AMA(SA)’s first president based in a regional area, he’s made it his personal mission to help improve outcomes for regional doctors and their patients.

‘I want to personally engage with doctors on the coalface of regional healthcare to understand their concerns and what they see as the way forward,’ Dr Williams said.

‘It’s important that I provide a strong voice for all clinicians and patients, not just those living in the city.’

Dr Williams has a strong record of advocating for regional healthcare.

He worked with the Rural Doctors’ Association to negotiate a new agreement that significantly improved pay for more than 330 rural GPs and GP registrars contracted by SA Health.

Dr Williams has also championed a junior doctor employment model called the single employer model, designed to boost the recruitment and retention of regional doctors.

‘I encourage my colleagues, both AMA members and non-members alike, to come along and share their insights’ he said.

‘This is a way for them to highlight their region and further empower me to be a strong voice for them.’

For more information or interview requests please contact Media and Communications Advisor Ben Terry on 0478 847 604.