Thousands of vulnerable Victorians with complex health needs, including homelessness, trauma, and family violence, will lose access to GP services after cohealth announced the closure of three clinics. The Collingwood, Fitzroy, and Kensington sites will cease GP services in December, with allied health and other services at Collingwood also closing in mid-2026 but relocating to Fitzroy.
Cohealth CEO Nicole Bartholomeusz described the decision as “extraordinarily difficult, but unavoidable,” citing “multiple, complex pressures including decades of underinvestment, ageing infrastructure, and a funding model that doesn’t match the reality of the need.” The federal health department called the move “deeply disappointing” and urged the board to reconsider, noting that meetings had been held to explore financial sustainability options, including maximising Medicare Benefits Schedule billing.
A Victorian government spokesperson highlighted the “important role” of community health organisations and noted $188 million invested last year to support care delivery. They pledged to continue advocating to the commonwealth for improved Medicare rebates for patients with complex needs. However, Dr Cath Keaney, a GP at the Collingwood clinic, said federal Medicare reforms due in November were “coming too late,” and that structural issues like leaking roofs compounded financial losses. She described the December closure as “harsh,” especially for those with mental health concerns.
The Royal Australian College of GPs Victoria chair, Dr Anita Muñoz, called on the state government to “step up and save these clinics.” Greens MP Gabrielle de Vietri accused Labor of letting community health services collapse despite rising demand for affordable care.
