Family Doctors remain the backbone of the Australian Health System ... but under pressure
The latest Australia’s Health 2010 report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) confirms yet again that GPs are the backbone of front line health care delivery in Australia, with 113 million services delivered to patients during 2008-09.
AMA Vice President, Dr Steve Hambleton, said today that the AIHW report confirms that GPs are increasingly dealing with older patients with more complex care needs.
Dr Hambleton said the significant increase in patients with complex and chronic and multiple conditions and the red tape burden that the Government has imposed on GPs are putting family doctors under heavy pressure.
“The Government must provide greater support for family doctors to help them meet the growing health demands of an ageing population,” Dr Hambleton said.
The management of chronic and complex disease is a key part of general practice, with at least one chronic problem managed in 42 per cent of all visits to a GP.
The report highlights that the most common chronic problems managed by GPs were hypertension, depressive disorder, diabetes, cholesterol related disorders, chronic arthritis, oesophageal disease and asthma.
Dr Hambleton said that many patients are also suffering from more than one condition.
“This highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to the management of chronic and complex illness and not just a focus on single diseases, such as in the Government's proposed plan for diabetes,” Dr Hambleton said.
“The AMA has a better plan for treatment of patients with complex and chronic illness, and we are seeking a meeting to discuss this plan and the broader health reform agenda with new Prime Minister, Julia Gillard.
“As a former Shadow Health Minister, the Prime Minister understands the importance of the doctor-patient relationship and the need for patients with chronic illness to see their usual GP for care and advice.
“The AMA plan is all about supporting family doctors so that they remain the backbone of the Australian health system providing quality health care to patients and communities.”
1 July 2010
CONTACT: John Flannery 02 6270 5477 / 0419 494 761
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