Naracoorte doctor dispute ends

KMC doctors had refused to sign CHSA's standard GP agreement and locked out of the hospital from early September and replaced with locums after negotiations for the three-year contract broke down.

KMC had wanted a fourth doctor on call instead of the three-doctor model but recognising Country Health SA would not budge on its stand, had decided to fund a fourth doctor at all emergency caesarean sections from its own resources.

Under site-specific additions, Country Health SA has pledged two extra registrars - an advanced anaesthetic registrar and an advanced obstetric registrar - to fill the roster and ensure less transfers out of Naracoorte Hospital.

In a statement, KMC doctors thanked the community and supporters for understanding their need to take a stand to avoid sending expectant mothers to Mount Gambier Hospital for deliveries.

"Research shows country people are at increased risk of adverse medical outcomes due to lack of existing services in local areas. We cannot accept any further compromise which would undermine regional services and fail to meet the SA Health mandated standards of care for patients," the statement said.

"Regardless of whether CHSA follows SA Health mandate, KMC, as part of our commitment to care for our patients, will provide a fourth doctor at caesarean sections despite not being funded for a fourth on call.

"KMC is proud that it has undergone principled negotiations in good faith and done our best to raise important issues of sustainable quality health care for Naracoorte & surrounding district."

Naracoorte Hospital has the only obstetrics service between Mount Gambier and Murray Bridge and sees the delivery of about 180 babies each year.