East Devonport residents have a "ray of hope" on the horizon, says Devonport Mayor Alison Jarman who also expressed her disappointment in the federal health minister's response to the community's concerns. Hundreds gathered at East Devonport's Pioneer Park to show their support to keep the East Devonport Medical Centre (EDMC) from closing. Labor health spokesperson Anita Dow circulated a petition at the rally, which quickly ran out of space. She said it was everyone's responsibility to support the clinic. "It's your right to have access to a GP here in your community," she said. Cr Jarman said a doctor, who she declined to name, had expressed an interest in exploring how they can help keep the EDMC open. "A local doctor amazingly has an interest in the East Devonport clinic; a ray of hope," she said. EDMC patient Sandra Brown said it would be "amazing" if someone stepped up to keep the clinic doors open. "We haven't got a ferry to get across the river anymore," she said. "For a lot of people who use mobility trolleys, it must be so hard to get on a bus. It really is a big thing to lose your doctor." The EDMC has about 6000 patients on its books. Better Medical has planned a merger with the Wenvoe Street Clinic but Cr Jarman said she was doubtful Wenvoe Street would be able to cope with the influx of patients. "They've got two and a half doctors here at East Devonport with 6000 clients and there's a six week waiting list. How does that work?" Cr Jarman she felt like walking out of an online meeting on Monday, November 27, with federal Health Minister Mark Butler after he failed to show up. "Fifteen minutes late, they come online and no minister," she said. "So I met with his chief of staff... and I hold them how disappointed I was." Cr Jarman added that she had been encouraged by the round table state Health Minister Guy Barnett had convened. "We had a healthy meeting... We know where we're at and where we need to go," she said.