A busy general practice in Canberra's south has shut its doors without warning, informing hundreds of patients of its permanent closure via a text message sent late Wednesday night.
Patients Left in the Lurch by Sudden Text Message
The Wanniassa Family Medicine clinic had been operating as normal, accepting patients and booking appointments right up until Wednesday, December 18, 2025. Many patients had appointments scheduled for the latter part of the week or for the new year.
However, those plans were abruptly cancelled when a text message informed them the practice was closed for good. The message included a list of nearby clinics for patients to contact instead.
Regular patient Sharon Green described receiving the news as "shocking." "It's so bizarre," she said. Ms Green, who has complex health issues, expressed concern about transferring her detailed medical history to a new doctor.
She said her regular GP, Dr Shree Vada, was much loved and had a wall filled with thank-you notes from patients. Ms Green said it seemed out of character for Dr Vada to abandon her patients in this manner.
Concerns Over Appointments and Medical Records
The sudden closure has sparked confusion and dismay within the community. Dozens of people took to the Canberra Noticeboard on Facebook to express their concerns.
Many revealed they had imminent appointments booked, including crucial consultations to receive and discuss test results. A significant worry for numerous patients is access to their medical records, with no clear information provided by the practice as of Friday.
Ms Green revealed a telling detail: her husband had an appointment at the clinic on Wednesday and received a call the night before asking him to bring cash. "I should have known then," she said.
It is understood the Wanniassa clinic has merged with its sister practice at Isabella Plains. However, staff at the Isabella Plains location were unable to comment on the move and had no additional information for displaced patients.
Worsening Canberra's GP Crisis
This abrupt closure exacerbates an existing healthcare crisis in the Australian Capital Territory. The ACT already has the second fewest GPs per person in the nation, trailing only Tasmania. It also has the lowest GP rate per capita of any metropolitan area in Australia.
Furthermore, finding a bulk-billed appointment in Canberra is more difficult than in other states and territories, placing additional financial strain on patients seeking new care.
The local member for Brindabella, Caitlin Tough, posted about the closure on social media and has raised the matter with ACT Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith.
The situation leaves hundreds of Canberrans scrambling to find new healthcare providers during the holiday period, with significant questions remaining about the secure transfer of their sensitive medical histories.
