The Raukkan community will soon lose access to its current local health clinic, after Moorundi Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service was told their lease would not be renewed.
In a letter to residents, Moorundi CEO Steven Sumner said the organisation’s board had received notice from the Raukkan Community Council that the lease on the clinic would not be renewed.
“We have received a letter from the Raukkan Community Council Board stating that they have made a decision not to renew our lease for the Raukkan Community Clinic,” Mr Sumner wrote.
He says in future the Raukkan Community Council wishes to open their own clinic under a new model of Health and Wellbeing.
“Whilst we respect their decision, this means that all Raukkan Community residents who wish to access Moorundi’s Primary Health Care Services will do so at our current clinic, which is 1 Wharf Road, Murray Bridge.”
The Murray Bridge facility is about an hour’s drive away, 78 kilometres from Raukkan. To assist with the travel burden, Moorundi will offer fuel vouchers to patients after their appointments.
Raukkan is a historic Ngarrindjeri community on the shores of Lake Alexandrina, with a population of around 100 people.
In the letter, Mr Sumner said residents may also seek care through the Coorong Medical Service or the Murraylands Medical Centre at Tailem Bend.
“On behalf of Moorundi Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service Ltd, I am sorry for any inconvenience you will incur from this decision,” the letter said.
