Toi Toi's Stoke clinic shuts permanently

Toi Toi Medical’s Stoke practice has closed permanently, citing staff shortages and increasing outgoings.

In February, the practice announced it would close its Main Rd Stoke clinic for six months while it recruited more staff.

However, on Monday, a spokesperson from the practice announced that after “significant consideration,” the clinic would not reopen.

“A lot of time has been put into investigating every possible option of reopening,” they said. “Unfortunately, with significant staff shortages, difficulty recruiting and ever-increasing outgoings it is not viable for us to remain in Stoke. This difficult decision has not been made lightly ...”

Full medical services will be offered at the original clinic in Natalie St, Toi Toi, the statement said.

Toi Toi Medical opened its clinic on Main Rd Stoke in 2020, a satellite centre catering to the ever-growing number of patients signing up to the original Washington Valley practice.

Nelson Bays Primary Health Trust chief executive officer Sara Shaughnessy said the pressures experienced by the clinic were reflected across the country.

After exploring their options, the practice had chosen to do the “sustainable” thing and concentrate on its Washington Valley practice. “They have done this mindfully, in the best interests of their current population,” Shaughnessy said.

Stoke residents in need of a general practitioner could contact Stoke Medical Centre, who is accepting new patients.

The health sector “needs a lot of attention and care and support,” Shaughnessy said.

General practitioners were coping with a growing population, and escalating community need, she said.