The New South Wales government has rejected accusations it is to blame for the lack of frontline medical services in the Lismore region, nearly 10 months on from catastrophic floods.
Lismore doctors say lives are being put at risk as many frontline health providers struggle to rebuild their businesses after the floods.
"We've had delayed cancer diagnoses," Dr Nina Robertson said.
The general practitioner is a partner in a Keen Street medical clinic in Lismore that incurred $2 million in losses when the building was inundated on February 28.
"There was no provision after the disaster for any kind of support for health care services in the community," she said.
The family-run practice is operating in temporary rooms in a small pathology clinic, unable to meet community demand.
"Our books are full every day," Dr Robertson said.
"We're operating at the fullest capacity we can with the limited service that we are able to provide … the overflow of those patients will end up in the emergency department."
A record number of patients were admitted to the Lismore Base Hospital in the last quarter ending in September, up 12 per cent on the same period last year.
The last quarterly data on elective surgery lists showed the Northern NSW Local Health District had more than 1,500 overdue surgeries, one of the longest waitlists in the state.
Call for $15-million funding package
The Australian Medical Association has asked the state government to commit $15 million in funding to assist GPs, pharmacists and other primary healthcare businesses in the region, which are struggling to remain viable while funding their repairs.
Across the Northern Rivers, 10 private health businesses sustained a very high level of damage from the floods, while another 15 businesses sustained a slightly lower level of damage.
Lismore dermatologist Ken Gudmundsen lost virtually everything in his medical practice, including computers, beds, stock and equipment.
"We're absolutely despairing because we've tried for so long," Dr Gudmunsen said.
"The governments, state and federal, in their stupidity and neglect have been ignoring us, passing the buck backwards and forwards between different departments.
"We have a little bit of hope but then it gets dashed, as they announce new things but it never includes us."
'Committed to restoring primary care'
NSW Regional Health Minister Bronnie Taylor said investment in primary health care was the responsibility of the federal government.
"I wrote to the federal government in September, encouraging them to support the proposal to create a Northern Rivers healthcare business grant. To date, I am yet to receive a response," she said.
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler insisted he was working to address the issue.
"The Albanese Government is committed to restoring primary care services across Australia and recognises the particular hardships faced by service providers in flood affected regions," he said.
It is understood Mr Butler responded in October to his NSW counterpart.
Local practitioners don't care who delivers the funding, they just want help now.
"It's not just about Lismore's recovery, it is about what happens to other smaller communities like ours when the next natural disaster comes," Dr Robertson said.
