In a disconcerting turn of events, two doctors engaged by I-Medical Australia, a prominent locum-staffed medical service in Western Australia’s Goldfields region, are pursuing legal action against the provider for unpaid wages. This marks a concerning development for what was heralded as the Goldfields’ inaugural super clinic, established in Kalgoorlie-Boulder with additional facilities in Kalgoorlie and Norseman in July and September, respectively.
The dispute arises from a purported pay discrepancy between I-Medical and its locum General Practitioners (GPs), compounded by lower than anticipated patient volumes. Dr. Sally Partington, a GP at the Kalgoorlie clinic, disclosed that she received only half of her contracted remuneration since concluding her tenure in August. Her contract stipulated a daily rate of $2,000, yet she asserts having received only a fraction of her due payment.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ashley Sood, engaged for a four-week stint at the Norseman clinic, along with another locum, reported a premature departure due to a payment dispute. Despite receiving partial payments, Dr. Sood contends that a significant sum remains outstanding, totaling approximately $14,000 before GST.
Documents reviewed by the ABC reveal that I-Medical has accumulated over $180,000 in locum fees since the clinics’ inception, raising concerns about the financial viability of the enterprise. Managing Director, Ashley Yong, initially assured that outstanding wages would be settled by October 7. However, an email dated October 13 cited a “cash flow” constraint, proposing a phased approach to remitting owed amounts over several months.
Efforts to obtain clarity from Mr. Yong proved unsuccessful, as he declined further comment. Dr. Partington and Dr. Sood have both pursued legal recourse, though apprehensions persist regarding I-Medical’s financial capacity to fulfill their obligations.
The recruitment agencies involved, Jon and Jon Medical, and DNA Medical Recruitment, have experienced communication breakdowns with Mr. Yong, impeding efforts to rectify the situation. Despite encountering delays in payments themselves, Jon and Jon Medical’s focus remains on ensuring the doctors receive their due compensation.
While I-Medical’s commitment to affordable, bulk-billed services was lauded upon the clinic’s establishment, concerns have been raised about the feasibility of sustaining multiple locums solely through bulk-billing, given the existing Medicare subsidies’ limitations. Australian Medical Association WA President, Michael Page, emphasized the need for a sustainable funding model, particularly in regional areas, to ensure the viability of such healthcare initiatives.
