GP SUPER CLINICS
Last weekend, the National Conference of the Australian Medical Association called on the Federal Government to work with the peak medical body to improve Australians’ access to GP services.
AMA President, Dr Rosanna Capolingua, said that funding cuts to general practice in the recent Federal Budget were disappointing and undermined the Government’s commitment to stronger primary health care services. “The AMA believes that the Government’s centrepiece GP Super Clinics policy may only benefit a limited number of Australians and, in fact, do damage to many existing general practices that currently provide patient care.”
The Conference called on the Government to move beyond its restrictive policy framework and use the GP Super Clinic funding to develop measures to enhance GP services across the country.
The Conference resolved that if the Government is serious about supporting primary care, then it must:
· significantly expand GP training places;
· restructure the MBS - allowing GPs to focus on preventative care and the effective management of chronic disease, as well as manage acute presentations;
· create initiatives to support the use of practice nurses, for and on behalf of GPs;
· index patient rebates to keep pace with the cost of delivery;
· support the extension of IT infrastructure across health service delivery to improve coordination of patient care; and
· reduce red tape and unnecessary compliance costs.
National Conference delegates voted overwhelmingly to recommend that:
· GP Super Clinics should only be located in areas where there are identified gaps in the delivery of local health services and clear evidence of significant GP shortage; and
· GP Super Clinic funding should be directed towards supporting existing practices to improve infrastructure and expand services.
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AGED CARE
Dr Capolingua is today meeting with the Minister for Ageing, The Hon Justine Elliot MP. Improved access to medical care for older Australians living in residential aged care and the community, and the need for post-acute services that will assist older Australians return home after a hospital admission are two of the important issues Dr Capolingua will raise with the Minister.
GP RE-ELECTED AS AMA TREASURER
Dr Sam Lees, a general practitioner from Korumburra, Victoria was elected to his second term as AMA Federal Treasurer at last weekend’s AMA National Conference. AMA President, Dr Rosanna Capolingua, Vice President, Dr Gary Speck, and Federal Council Chairman, Dr Dana Wainwright, were returned to their positions unopposed.
GP HONOURED AT NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Congratulations to Dr Brian Morton, who was admitted to the AMA Roll of Fellows last weekend during the opening ceremony of the AMA National Conference in Hobart. Dr Morton was also elected President of AMA NSW last week.
SNAPSHOT OF AUSTRALIAN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE RESEARCH
A report highlighting some of those research projects that have influenced the practice of medicine and health policy was launched this week. Click here to view.
GENERAL PRACTICE WEEK ACTIVITIES
As part of General Practice Week, AMA Victoria will be hosting a GP Forum on 17 June and a GP Liaison Breakfast on 19 June 2008. All GPs are welcome to attend. For more details click here or contact Belinda Cousins on (03) 9280 8722 or via email on belindac@amavic.com.au.