Labor’s GP super-clinics plan and experts’ response

As part of Labor’s health plan, it will spend $220 million to establish GP super-clinics in local communities.

Labor says the move will ensure that more families have access to doctors, nurses, specialists and other health professionals, by bringing them all under the same roof. It says the funding will be allocated to infrastructure projects to establish a greater range of services, particularly in regional or remote areas.

The clinics would allow health professionals to work from a single centre, to ensure communities get the services they need while easing the burden on accident and emergency wards.

. Australian Medical Association said the policy raised more questions than answers to the primary health care needs of Australian patients.

. Australian General Practice Network welcomed the plan to invest
in general practice infrastructure.

. Doctors Reform Society welcomed the plan and said it would help similar initiatives by State Governments to deliver services.

. Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association said it would provide health and economic benefits to the community and take the pressure off the public hospital system.

. National Rural Health Alliance supports the plan but cautions that high costs and current workforce shortages might require a higher level of investment than currently proposed.