Charlotte Varcoe
THE new State Government has revealed previously undisclosed information about the former government’s plans to close Covid-19 vaccination clinics.
Premier Peter Malinauskas announced on Tuesday he was “stunned” to find out the previous State Government had planned to close eight clinics in the coming weeks with all but two state-run facilities expected to shut – including in Mount Gambier.
Instead, Mr Malinauskas announced a two month extension for the clinics which would cost an extra $637,000.
The Mount Gambier vaccination clinic was originally scheduled to close on May 1 but this will now be extended to June 30.
Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell has expressed shock and disappointment to find out the former government nor SA Health had communicated with him or the community about the previously planned closure.
“The important point to make here is that things work best when there is open and clear communication,” Mr Bell said.
“Communities can now prepare for what is coming and if you close a vaccination centre down, logic would tell you other places that are delivering those practices will have increased traffic.”
He said other health care centres distributing Covid vaccinations needed to be aware of the potential increase and have the time allowed to increase staff and resources appropriately.
Labelling it as disappointing for the previous State Government and the Health Department not to have clear lines of communication, Mr Bell said he welcomed the announcement of an extra eight weeks.
“What a responsible Government should do is communicate with communities about planned actions being taken and then people can move forward and work with the government for the next round of booster shots or those who haven’t gotten vaccinated at this stage,” he said.
“If the clinic had been closed in May, it would have put pressure on other providers delivering that service which means clear communication is so important.
“We are coming into peak season, everyone knows that and it doesn’t make sense you would close a facility coming into peak season.”
Mr Bell said with Covid cases increasing, venues distributing vaccinations may have increased traffic in the near future.
“I don’t think the State Government needs to provide these resources forever but clear communication and a timeline as well as support where it is necessary should be in place,” he said.
Mr Bell added if other providers were being overrun, looking at other options would need to happen.
Minister for Health and Wellbeing Chris Picton reassured the community the vaccination clinic would remain open until June 30 to enable people in need to receive Covid vaccinations.
“We urge people over 65 years of age and vulnerable people to get your fourth vaccination as of now to protect from Covid as we head into winter,” Mr Picton said.
“We are also calling for children aged five to 11 years to get their first and second jabs.”
