The health minister says government is trying to change the culture of simply closing essential health services when challenged by staffing shortages.

The Urgent Care Clinic in the capital city’s east end has seen numerous closures and early shutdowns since it first opened its doors to the public.

Lela Evans says better solutions have to be found.

“We’re trying to change the culture of ‘What? Oh, there’s a problem? Let’s take the easy way out. Oh, we’re having trouble staffing the Urgent Care Centre? We’ll close it earlier.’

I’m going to say honestly, it’s ridiculous, but these are some of the options put back to me Speaker; we’re not going to accept that. We’re going to actually make sure that health care is delivered to the people.”