A Central Queensland town of 3,000 people has lost its only permanent GP and hospital doctor after he was suspended by the local health service.

Tim Lane announced in a Facebook post on Monday he would permanently close the doors of his GP clinic at Clermont, 380 kilometres west of Rockhampton, this Friday.

In a statement to the ABC, the Mackay Hospital and Health Service (MHHS) said Dr Lane was suspended “pending the outcome of a serious workplace matter”.

“The safety and wellbeing of our staff is a priority … there is zero tolerance for unacceptable or unsafe behaviour,” chief executive Sean Birgan said in the statement.

MHHS did not respond to questions about why Dr Lane was suspended.

The suspension follows an earlier dispute over MHHS’s decision not to renew Dr Lane’s lease for the GP practice when it was due to expire next month.

A sign that says "Clermont Hospital", with directions to the emergency department. It stands near a narrow road and a car park.

Clermont Hospital will again rely on locum doctors to fill the gap in healthcare. (ABC Capricornia: Aaron Kelly)

Mr Birgan said the health service offered to work with Dr Lane to explore alternative opportunities for the continued operation of the general practice clinic.

“We respect Dr Lane’s decision not to accept this,” Mr Birgan said.

Dr Lane declined to comment.

Uncertain future for residents

Dr Lane’s absence will leave the rural town without a permanent doctor at the hospital and no GP clinic.

He was recruited in 2024 and was Clermont Hospital’s first permanent doctor in six years.

An elderly woman with short hair, wearing glasses and hoop earrings.

Clermont resident Maree Bauer is considering moving from the town. (Supplied: Maree Bauer)

Retiree Maree Bauer has lived in the Isaac region for more than two decades but said the uncertainty had made her question staying in Clermont.

“I was happy to live out my life here and know I’ve got a good doctor and a good hospital if anything happens, God forbid,” she said.

“But now I’m thinking about selling in the new year.”

In its statement MHHS said it would continue to provide emergency care and would prioritise the sickest and most vulnerable patients.

“Every person who presents to the hospital will be seen and assessed for treatment,” it said.

The health service said virtual services and locum doctors would be used.

“While general practice services fall under the responsibility of the Commonwealth, we remain committed to exploring opportunities for the continued operation of a GP clinic and this has been confirmed during meetings held both in Clermont and Mackay,” Mr Birgan said.

Dispute over hospital attendance

Earlier this year there was a disagreement between the MHHS and Dr Lane over the hours to be worked at the hospital and aged care facility Montcler.

That requirement was suspended for three months as MHHS and community members in Clermont worked on a new long-term model for primary and urgent care.

Country doctor makes tough decision

Residents in a small central Queensland town are campaigning to get their full GP service back.

As of now there is one full-time doctor and a registrar, with a locum doctor brought in to relieve during breaks.

Sam Faint, chair of community advocacy group ClermontCONNECT, said the aim was eventually a workforce of four doctors and registrars.

“We’re in a situation where our doctors are feeling completely devastated and at the end of their line,” she said.

Ms Faint said the new reality for residents was a two-hour round trip to either Moranbah or Emerald, which was costly and not feasible for everyone.

“I’m well and healthy, lucky me,” she said.

“For someone that isn’t as able or can’t drive themselves, they can’t get across there.”