Confirmed this afternoon, council said Ochre Health would continue to provide medical services until such time the new managers can take over.
While acknowledging there is a nationwide challenge in recruitment and retention of medical staff, Mayor Ashley Hall said suggested it was time to try something new.
Ochre Health first entered into a lease arrangement with council for the Deniliquin Medical Centre in 2012.
It was due to expire in October 2027, but council said the decision to end it early had been made after “careful consideration” and discussions regarding the long-term delivery of healthcare services from the facility.
The lease includes associated deed obligations designed to support the delivery of safe, reliable and sustainable primary healthcare services, including maintaining agreed service levels and supporting the long-term provision of medical services in Deniliquin.
Council CEO Jack Bond said council's focus is on supporting continuity of healthcare services while future arrangements were explored.
“Council and Ochre Health have engaged in constructive discussions about the challenges since late 2025 and have reached a mutually agreed outcome, including the early termination of the current lease arrangement for the Deniliquin Medical Centre,” Mr Bond said.
“Importantly, Ochre Health has confirmed it is ready to support this process as constructively as possible and is willing to negotiate an extended notice period to help ensure continuity of services while future arrangements are considered.
"In an effort to minimise impacts on existing patients, Ochre Health has agreed to assist with the transfer of relevant medical records to any future operator of the Deniliquin Medical Centre, subject to all necessary legal and privacy requirements.
"Council is currently holding discussions with other medical service providers regarding potential future arrangements for the facility. While those discussions are ongoing, no decisions have been made and our focus remains firmly on achieving the best outcome for the community.
“Council will encourage discussions around potential opportunities for locally based staff as future arrangements are explored.”
Ochre CEO Patrick Dwyer said Ochre Health while not the desired outcome, Ochre would continue to work with council on the continuity of care.
“While we are disappointed that council has chosen to terminate our lease ahead of its scheduled expiry, we respect its decision and remain committed to supporting the Deniliquin community throughout the transition.
“Our priority is to minimise disruption for patients and work collaboratively to support continuity of healthcare services for the community.
“We would also like to sincerely thank our doctors, nurses, practice manager and team for their dedication and commitment to caring for the Deniliquin community over many years. Their contribution has been outstanding, and we are incredibly proud of the care they have provided.”
Mayor Ashley Hall said council's responsibility is to ensure access to healthcare services remained a priority for the community, both now and into the future.
"Access to healthcare is one of the most important issues for our community, and Council remains committed to securing the best possible outcome for local residents," Cr Hall said.
"Council recognises the recruitment and retention challenges facing general practice across Australia, particularly in regional communities.
“However, we also have a responsibility to ensure the community continues to receive the level of healthcare access and service provision that was envisaged when the Deniliquin Medical Centre was first established.
“Our priority is to ensure doctor numbers across Deniliquin are maintained and, wherever possible, increased, while providing the safe, accessible and sustainable healthcare services our community deserves.
“The Deniliquin Medical Centre was established as a significant investment in the health and wellbeing of our community. Council is committed to ensuring the facility is utilised to its fullest potential, supporting increased access to doctors, allied health professionals and other healthcare services wherever possible.
“We appreciate Ochre Health's willingness to work collaboratively throughout this process and acknowledge its contribution to healthcare services in Deniliquin over many years.”
Council will continue working with Ochre Health and other stakeholders as discussions progress and will keep the community informed of significant developments.
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