Statement by Invercargill Urgent Doctor Society 13 March

In a somber decision reflecting the evolving landscape of healthcare, the General Practitioners forming the backbone of the Invercargill Urgent Doctor Society (IUDS) have collectively voted to wind up the society's operations by end of day 28^th March 2024.

The choice to dissolve the IUDS was not taken lightly but was deemed necessary due to the organization's inability to sustainably adapt to the changing needs of our community. Over the past two to three decades, the field of medicine has seen remarkable advancements in treatments and therapies. However, amidst this progress, both the New Zealand population and the GP workforce have significantly aged.

This demographic shift has ushered in a new era of complexity in general practice, leading to an overwhelming increase in daytime caseloads for our practitioners. Many find themselves extending their work well into the evenings and weekends to accommodate the growing demand for medical care. Despite these challenges, government funding has failed to keep pace with inflation, placing further strain on our ability to deliver quality healthcare.

Compounding these issues, patients have increasingly sought out alternative after-hours providers, eroding the traditional patient base of the Invercargill After-hours Service. This combination of financial constraints and practical challenges has rendered our operations financially untenable.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the closure of the Invercargill Urgent Doctor Society. While this decision is undoubtedly difficult, it is also a pragmatic acknowledgment of the realities we face. We are confident that the General Practitioners, and their practices, who have up till now utilised the IUDS will continue to provide an outstanding level of care and remain dedicated to meeting the healthcare needs of our community, likely in new and innovative ways.

We extend our deepest gratitude to our patients, staff, and the community for their unwavering support throughout the years.