Catherine King visited new bulk billing medical centre Hale House last week.

The new centre means health care card holders will no longer have to travel to Ballarat for cheaper access to treatment.

Ms King said the clinic gave residents greater healthcare options.

 “It is fantastic to see further health services opening up in Daylesford,” Ms King said.

“The Abbott government’s introduction of a freeze on the MBS has meant that practices across the country have started to cease bulkbilling or only bulkbill some consultations or some patients.

“Health providers have had no choice but to introduce fees to combat rising costs and uncertain funding.”

Ms King said many pensioners had been priced out of medical appointments, 

“The new service run by BADAC means Daylesford residents will no longer have to travel to Ballarat if they can’t afford the fee being charged at the local medical clinic.

“I welcome any measure that gives locals better access to healthcare services.”