GP shortage in ACT
Posted
by DPS
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) government’s general practitioner (GP) taskforce has come up with 30 recommendations to deal with Canberra’s doctor shortage. The GP taskforce was set up six months ago after a series of suburban practices closed and moved into larger clinics in the town centres.
The taskforce report has found that trend is likely to continue over the next few years. Recommendations to improve the situation include:
- a focus on international recruitment in the next four years
- more support for GPs returning to the workforce after parental leave
- creating more opportunities for GPs over 55 years of age to remain in the workforce
- developing a new model of care – inclusive of team based modes – that supports existing practices and networks
- rolling-out an in-hours locum service to support GPs and residents of aged care facilities
- reducing red tape through better collaboration with ACT and Commonwealth agencies
The report also calls for legislation to set out the obligations for giving notice to patients when doctor surgeries close, transfer or merge with others. The government will respond to the recommendations by the end of the year.
