"Refusal to honour a referral from local doctor."

My partner is diabetic. The last session with a diabetes educator was about early 2019.  This was in Bairnsdale as it was referred by a Bairnsdale doctor. A second follow up appointment had a waiting list of 12 months or more. However COVID-19 stopped all appointments and they have not ever chased up any further appointments.  My partner has now changed back to their previous doctor.  

The clinic nurse there seemed concerned for my partner's diabetes management and their overall health, in particular with the lack of attention for last 3 years. The doctor has given a referral for them to see the diabetes education service at Gippsland Central Hospital at Sale.

However this department in Sale has called to advise they will be sending the referral back to the doctor clinic as we live outside their region. (We live approximately 3km over the regional border).

If we lived in the city our choice of diabetes education would be many and likely in double figures, from any hospital or health service.  But because we are in a rural environment we are not given a choice and it seems even a doctor's referral is not accepted. 

My partner and I are pensioners. They are in need of continual diabetes care which has not been provided now for 3 years and long wait lists are not desirable but likely to be extended even further if referred back to Bairnsdale.   

As a duty of care I believe Sale hospital has a responsibility to accept our doctor's referral for my partner to receive care, education and good health service. 

I think it should also be noted that my partner and I have both previously had taken sounds, X-rays, surgery at the Sale hospital. This seems to be acceptable but the continued care for diabetes is not?