WA town’s only GP clinic to close after four-year search, leaving area without a local doctor

Northampton’s only general practice clinic will close its doors at the end of the month after failing to secure a new doctor, despite years of recruitment efforts.

In a message to patients, Dr Tara Hamilton of Northampton Doctors Surgery said the “incredibly difficult decision” to shut the clinic followed the July 1 Medicare funding changes, which reduced rebates and made it “impossible to sustain the practice”.

Locals now face a 100km round trip to see a GP in Geraldton.

“I have explored every option, and this is not a decision we’ve made lightly,” Dr Hamilton said.

She said the surgery had been trying to recruit another GP for four years, unsuccessful in their attempts to attract a doctor locally, nationally or internationally to take over the role.

Dr Hamilton said Northampton sits