AMA Welcomes 'Medicare After Hours' Plan
The Australian Medical Association has welcomed new funding for the ALP's 'Medicare After Hours' proposal, launched by opposition leader Kim Beazley at the party's National Conference today.
However, AMA Federal President, Dr Kerryn Phelps warned that the program, designed to reduce emergency department waiting times, must not become another opportunity for the states and the Commonwealth to cost-shift.
"For too long we have watched emergency department waiting times explode, while at the same time the Commonwealth has made GPs after-hours services uneconomic" Dr Phelps said.
"If Mr Beazley can perform a miracle and get the states and the Commonwealth to work together to ensure patients receive appropriate after hours care then we would welcome that.
"I am pleased to see a commitment to involve the AMA in any development of 'Medicare After Hours'," Dr Phelps said.
Dr Phelps also supported a proposal to include 24-hour call centres in the program, so long at it incorporated medical supervision.
"We have some problems with call centres which have been staffed solely by nurses, however Labor has stated categorically that doctors will supervise the centres and we welcome that commitment.
"If there is any suggestion of the call centre concept there must also be a commitment to link the call centre with GP services.
"The reasons that GPs are unwilling to continue after hours emergency work arises from a justifiable fear for personal safety and a ridiculously low Medicare Benefit Schedule Fee for after hours services.
"Any discussion with the medical profession about after hours care must have a commitment to addressing these two serious impediments." Dr Phelps said.