DESPERATE parents are relying on already-swamped emergency departments as many GP surgeries across greater Caloundra refuse new patients.

Caloundra West mother of three Sage moved to the area in late 2023 and has yet to secure a general practitioner who will see her entire family.

“It took me three weeks to even get in for my first appointment with my eldest child,” she said.

“Too bad if we actually needed to see someone for something acute – we would be forced to go to the hospital for something relatively minor like a throat infection.

“I recently paid $87 for a Telehealth consultation to receive the results of a urine test at a Caloundra doctors’ surgery for a child under the age of 16 – they were on the phone with me for all of two minutes, if that.”

Caloundra Greens Candidate and physician Dr Peta Higgs, said local parents struggled to find a doctor or put off seeing one due to mounting costs.

“People are putting off going to the doctor because they can’t find one that bulk bills, or can’t afford to go to the dentist or specialist at all,” Dr Higgs said.

“Because of the cost-of-living crisis, my patients are struggling to afford even basic medicines and allied health services that I know they need.

“They struggle to find a GP who can see them at all.”

The “Health of the Nation 2023” report from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) highlighted significant issues within the healthcare system, particularly regarding GP burnout.

According to the report, 71 per cent of GPs reported feeling burnt out, which can hinder their ability and willingness to accept new patients.

This situation can lead to reduced hours, further complicating access to healthcare for patients.