Scarborough resident Carolina Alvarez with her 15-month-old daughter Isabella.
Camera IconScarborough resident Carolina Alvarez with her 15-month-old daughter Isabella. Credit: Supplied/Marcus Whisson

Clinic closure shock

Tom Rabe, Stirling TimesStirling Times

Carolina Alvarez said she had been taking her 15-month-old daughter for the free immunisations and was shocked to learn the City had closed its free clinics.

‘They said that they were not taking any more appointments because the clinics had shut down so I should just call the local GP to get her vaccines from now on,’ Ms Alvarez said.

Ms Alvarez said she was disappointed the City had closed its clinics, making some parents pay for a GP appointment.

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‘It’s hard to get an appointment with a GP, I know my GP is very busy, now it’s just hard to get an appointment.

‘With these (immunisation) clinics, at least you knew the timetable in advance so you knew what day they were getting the vaccine so you could take your child on that day.

‘It was easier that they provided you with this facility for the immunisation to keep up to date with everything and I believe for some parents it will be a money struggle as well.’

The mother of one said the clinics were well utilised.

‘I don’t understand why they shut it down because I know it was very busy, they had appointments every 15 minutes ” their whole morning was just one child after the other.’

City of Stirling health and compliance manager Peter Morrison said the Council decided to cease the provision of immunisations services at the recommendation of a City report.

‘It was not regarded as a core function of local government and is a duplication of the same service, which is provided by the State Government and the private sector,’ Mr Morrison said.

‘Patients do not necessarily have to make an appointment with a GP (which may cost money), as free immunisation is provided at the Rheola Street Clinic in West Perth.’

Ms Alvarez said she was misled by the Stirling City’s website, which said it was providing free immunisation in accordance with the WA Vaccination Schedule up until December 19 this year.

‘I don’t know how often they change their website but that’s another thing, it’s even more disappointing when you’re able to print off the timetable and they don’t exist anymore.’