GP Super Clinics Reform Must Be Change for the Better
In response to a request from the Department of Health Ageing (DoHA), the AMA has submitted comments and recommendations on the Government's proposed framework for GP Super Clinics.
The Association has sought to provide constructive advice on how the Super Clinic model and money could best complement existing GP services.
AMA President, Dr Rosanna Capolingua, said today it is vital that existing GP services are not undermined or made non-viable by the introduction of a Super Clinic.
"The Government needs to work with the profession and the community to ensure GP Super Clinics are located where they are most needed," Dr Capolingua said.
"The Government must engage with the local GPs in areas where Super Clinics are planned and give them every opportunity to have input into the GP Super Clinics model.
"Only a third of the proposed GP Super Clinics are in officially-designated areas of workforce shortage. In these areas, the investment has to be about enhancing services for patients and ensuring that existing high-quality services are not displaced. This initiative should not risk local communities losing their local doctors. It would be undesirable for Super Clinics to draw doctors away from communities who need them.
"The AMA is keen to see GP Super Clinic funding directed to support 'virtual' GP Super Clinics, which means funding can be made available to existing GP practices.
"In many instances it would be more beneficial to invest in existing GP practices to assist in improving their services, better coordinating patient care with other specialist services and allied health providers, rather than build a new GP Super Clinic.
"The AMA will be assisting the Federal Government in its consultation process, facilitating GP input.
"Local solutions to local problems will be the key to success of the new Clinics," Dr Capolingua said.
In some areas such as rural and remote, or areas of significant workforce shortage, the government providing capital and infrastructure and support for a new GP Super Clinic may give that community an opportunity to access services not normally locally available.
"GP Super Clinics must provide a full range of high-quality health services including home and aged care facility visits and longer, more complex consultations and training for future GPs.
"'Cherry picking' of the services they deliver will not serve patients well and would unfairly compete with existing clinics.
"GP Super Clinics must be built on a sustainable business model, and should not be compelled to bulk bill all patients.
"It is also important to understand that there is no evidence that GP Super Clinics will significantly relieve pressure on Emergency Departments, however investing in GPs providing after hours services would benefit the community." Dr Capolingua said.
The AMA submission focuses on:
- ensuring patients have access to high quality primary care services,
- ensuring patients have access to a regular GP, which promotes long term continuous care,
- ensuring that GPs play a key role in the management of GP Super Clinics - so that decisions about the operation of clinics are based on clinical need and the best interests of patients,
- ensuring that GP Super Clinics are properly integrated with local health services and that they do not displace local GPs who have been serving their local communities,
- improving team based care arrangements, with the GP taking the leadership role in coordinating the work of other health professionals, and
- ensuring that GP Super Clinics play their part in training the future GP workforce.
A copy of the AMA submission on GP Super Clinics can be found at: www.ama.com.au//node/4171
CONTACT: Kylie Butler 02 6270 5466 / 0417 652 488
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