AMA SA Round Table prompts Government commitment to act

The President of the Australian Medical Association in South Australia (AMA SA) Dr John Williams says the AMA SA Access to Care Round Table is already triggering action that that will improve patient care.

Dr Williams has welcomed a commitment from Health Minister Chris Picton following conversations during today’s Round Table to establish a pilot program to allow real-time information sharing between GPs and aged care facilities.

‘Healthcare for older people is getting more complex. Australians are living longer – which is positive – but managing the complex, chronic conditions of Australia’s ageing population places additional pressures on health professionals and the system as a whole,’ Dr Williams said.

‘The pilot program announced by the Health Minister at the AMA SA Access to Care Round Table will allow GPs and aged care facilities to work more closely to effectively manage their patients’ healthcare needs.

‘GPs are the first line of defence for all patients. Ensuring they have real-time information about their elderly patients will lead to better outcomes for patients and reduce the burden on hospitals.

‘This is the type of reform South Australia needs to ensure patients receive the comprehensive, connected healthcare they deserve. We look forward to more information about how the South Australian Government’s pilot program will work.’

Creating a more connected healthcare system was a recurring theme throughout the round table discussions.

Participants discussed a range of proposed solutions including:

• technological solutions to improve communication between different parts of the system, including systems to notify GPs when their patients’ condition is deteriorating.
• streamlining patient referrals and transfers
• funding to support more out-of-hours GP care
• funding to enable more nurses and allied health professionals to work in general practice
• promote the use of and store Advanced Care Directives to avoid unnecessary transfers of patients from the community to hospitals.

Dr Williams said identifying these opportunities for change is a crucial first step.

‘We launched this round table on behalf of South Australian patients and the doctors who treat them. It was a day of big conversations and big ideas,’ he said.

‘AMA SA stands ready to work with the South Australian Government and other stakeholders to ensure that what’s been discussed today translates into patient-focussed action and reform.’

For more information please contact Media and Communications Advisor Ben Terry on 0478 847 604.