Christchurch GPs face tough times

9:09 am on 26 July 2011

Some family doctors in Christchurch have lost 10% of their patients since the February earthquake and general practice leaders say it's financially tough for many GPs.

Sumner GP Rob Seddon-Smith says he's lost 10% of his enrolled patients and can manage financially only because he owns another practice across town.

The Canterbury Primary Response Group, incorporating family doctors, says Dr Seddon-Smith's experience is not unusual.

It says GPs in the red zone may lose up to 20% of their patients and those in the orange and white zones face uncertainty as well.

The Canterbury District Health Board says it is working with general practices to see if it can stabilise the funding for GPs who need it.