AMA welcomes GP-coordinated care for veterans with chronic and complex diseases

Under the program, GPs will be able to provide comprehensive planned and coordinated care to eligible veterans with the support of a practice nurse or community nurse contracted by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA).

Dr Hambleton said that the AMA welcomes the CVC program’s comprehensive approach to the management of chronic and complex diseases.

“One of the greatest challenges in caring for older people is ensuring that their care needs are well supported and coordinated,” Dr Hambleton said.

“The CVC program will deliver GP-coordinated care in the community for veterans with chronic disease and complex care needs who are most at risk of an unplanned hospitalisation.

“It will improve the delivery of care for older people and help keep veterans with chronic and complex disease out of hospital.

“GP-led team-based care arrangements with access to appropriate support services can make a real difference to our patients and improve their quality of life.

“This program sets the benchmark for the management of chronic and complex diseases throughout the rest of the community.”

Dr Hambleton praised the Government and the Department for engaging in meaningful consultation with the medical profession to develop the CVC program.

“The AMA has been involved throughout the program’s design as a member of the Clinical Reference Group,” Dr Hambleton said.

“The development of this program is a great example of what can be achieved when you listen to GPs at the coalface about how to deliver services to better support patients.

“The AMA congratulates the Government for this important and timely initiative.”

The program will be launched tonight by Mr Ian Campbell PSM, Secretary, Department of Veterans’ Affairs, at the Australian Disease Management Association Conference in Canberra.

25 August 2011

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