Interchange Health Co-operative Ltd

INTERCHANGE HEALTH COOPERATIVE CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

After six years of providing high quality, 100 per cent bulk-billed general practice and allied health services to some of Canberra’s most vulnerable community members, the Interchange Health Cooperative (IHCO) was placed into voluntary administration under RSM Australia Partner Jonathon Colbran and Director Adam Cormack as of Monday 7 April 2025.

This was a deeply difficult and disappointing decision given the significant transformation work we’ve undertaken to create a sustainable Medical Practice. However, in the face of financial challenges, this was the only responsible choice, ensuring that IHCO can be independently assessed by Administrators with a view to review all available options and recommend a forward plan.

As an organisation that is heavily reliant on Medicare rebates, a small number of government project grants, and membership fees to sustain our services, it has been extremely challenging to raise sufficient income to cover true operational costs.

Despite an intensive recruitment program over several months to fill GP vacancies and increase our overall GP numbers, our 100 per cent bulk-billed business model is no longer able to meet current market rates and conditions to attract much-needed doctors into our Practice, putting our services under intense pressure.

Many thousands of patients have benefited from and valued the high-quality care they have received, thanks to the dedication and professionalism of our GPs, nursing and allied health and administration team.

Continuity of care for our patients is our utmost priority, and we have already reached out to the ACT Government to transition our most vulnerable patients to public health other service providers. The Board, key administrative, clinical and medical staff, will continue to work closely with the Administrators and the ACT Government to support the seamless transition of our patients – especially those with complex health issues.

The Administrators will work with the ACT Government to assist with the transition of our patients.

The IHCO will be closed from 5pm Monday, 7 April 2025 until further notice. Patients in need of medical and wellbeing support are advised to contact their nearest Urgent Medicare Clinic, or alternatively can contact:

Opioid Treatment Services, Building 7, The Canberra Hospital, Palmer Street, Garran. Ph: 02 5124 9977 between 8am and 5pm.

Directions Health, Level 6, Cosmopolitan Centre, Woden Square, Woden. Ph: 02 6132 4800

Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services, 63 Boolimba Cres, Narrabundah. Ph: 02 6284 6222. Please note Winnunga will accept First Nations clients only.

https://www.act.gov.au/health/topics/health-services/find-a-health-service.

7 April 2025