Continued Advocacy for Healthcare Access in Tailem Bend
Over recent months, Coorong District Council (the Council) has continued to work closely with the Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network (RMCLHN) to support the continuation of healthcare services in Tailem Bend following the departure of the existing GP service provider on 14 October 2026.
Following the significant work undertaken in this space, RMCLHN has advised that allied health services will continue to operate in Tailem Bend, while 24/7 emergency care and support will remain available through the Tailem Bend Hospital and Murray Bridge Hospital.
Emergency care at Tailem Bend Hospital will be supported virtually by Bridge Clinic in Murray Bridge, while medical care for aged care residents in Tailem Bend Hospital will be supported by the Mallee Medical Practice and the Renmark Medical Clinic.
Unfortunately, an alternative private GP service has not yet been secured for the immediate future.
RMCLHN continues to engage with the Federal Government to pursue an exemption under section 19(2) of the Health Insurance Act 1973 (Cth), which would support RMCLHN in delivering GP services within the community if another provider cannot be found. This process can take time and requires that RMCLHN gains written support from neighbouring primary health providers, including those based in Murray Bridge.
In parallel, Country SA Primary Health Network is leading a Commonwealth-funded Thin Markets review to identify a sustainable long-term model for primary healthcare services in the Coorong and broader region, with community and stakeholder workshops to be held in the coming weeks.
The Council, RMCLHN and the Coorong Health Service Health Advisory Council continue to collaborate, advocate for improved healthcare access, and work towards securing a sustainable healthcare solution for the Tailem Bend and the broader Coorong District.
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Contact:
Cr. Jonathan Pietzsch | Acting Mayor
COORONG DISTRICT COUNCIL
Phone: 1300 785 277 | E: council@coorong.sa.gov.au