Funding boost for GP after-hours services
After-hours support from local GPs will be boosted in communities around the country. Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon announced 101 local GP clinics would receive up to $100,000 each as part of the Gillard Government’s $10 million General Practice After-Hours Grants Program.
“For many Australians, GP clinics are their first port-of-call when they fall ill,” Ms Roxon said.
“The support we offer GPs in providing after-hours services means that more Australians can see and contact a doctor when they need to.”
Minister Roxon also announced the Government would extend incentives to encourage general practices to provide after-hours care. The incentives, which had been due to finish on 1 July 2011, will be extended for two years under Tier 1 of the Government’s Practice Incentives Program (PIP) After-Hours Incentive.
PivotWest chief executive officer, Ross Joyce, operator of the StreetHealth service where Ms Roxon made the announcement, spoke about the practical difference the grant will make.
“This is great news. This funding will help us keep GPs on the ground and provide much-need primary healthcare for the homeless and other disadvantaged people,” Mr Joyce said.
Successful organisations will receive a two-year grant of up to $100,000 to assist them with costs such as incentives for GPs, wages for support staff and other operating costs incurred after-hours.
