Ferntree Gully GP forced to close

By Casey Neill
A FERNTREE Gully GP has been forced out of his surgery by the building’s new owners.
Knox mayor Jim Penna said Doctor Brian Dunne has been a general practitioner in Ferntree Gully for more than 30 years.
However, his Commercial Road Consulting Rooms are being forced to close its doors at the end of the week.
Dr Dunne will move to a Ringwood practice.
Cr Jim Penna said 18 months ago the building’s former owner, Symbion, had agreed to keep the practice open for at least a further five years after plans to close the surgery had emerged. However, the premises was sold to Primary Health Care in February and the new company has decided to close the building
“It looks like they’re trying to short-change lower socio-economic areas like Ferntree Gully – I just think it’s wrong,” he said.
“We’re very concerned with the lack of GPs in Knox, particularly in older areas like Ferntree Gully.”
Dr Dunne and the clinic’s team leader Lyn Whitford said they were unable to comment on the closure.
Primary Health Care was unavailable for comment before the Mail went to print.