Shire loses GP, patients on the road

Jerramungup and Bremer Bay residents will have to travel out of the shire to access general practitioner services until an interim doctor is found.

Shire of Jerramungup president Robert Lester said the local government had engaged with First Health to find an interim doctor to man the Jerramungup & Bremer Bay Medical Centre for two days a week in lieu of a permanent replacement GP.

For two years, the Jerramungup & Bremer Bay Medical Centre was staffed by Dr Gemma Yardley, who used the centre’s Facebook page last month to announce publicly she was stepping down from the position.

“As many of you are aware, I will be finishing as the GP in Jerramungup and Bremer Bay on January 22,” she wrote.

“It has been a privilege to work with you all over the last two years.

“Southern Regional Medical Group have agreed to transfer your medical records free of charge if you wish to see a general practitioner at Southern Regional Medical Group in Albany.”

Mr Lester said he wanted to thank Dr Yardley for her service to the community, a sentiment shared by many community members who commented on her Facebook announcement.

“Thanks Gemma for the great service you have provided to our family and our community,” Leonie McMahon wrote.

“We will miss you . . . All the best for your future.”

Danielle Brooks joined the chorus of locals signing Dr Yardley’s praises.

“Gemma, you have been such a wonderful doctor and we, along with the whole community will miss you,” she said.

“Your caring, kind and thoughtful nature make you an amazing doctor. All the best for your future career and we hope to welcome you back to Jerry sometime in the future.”