GPs' Flu Pandemic Plans Hamstrung

"General practitioners are keen to properly prepare for a flu pandemic but they're currently trying to do so in a vacuum of information on how jurisdictions propose to mobilise, integrate, finance and protect primary care," Dr Haikerwal said.

"Doctors need to know what measures will be put in place to protect the doctor, his or her family, staff and patients.

"It's absolutely imperative in a pandemic situation, when demand will be high and an already stretched workforce will be put under further strain, that strong measures are in place to protect the frontline health workforce so they can continue to provide health care for all Australians."

Dr Haikerwal, a Melbourne GP, was responding to an article in the latest Medical Journal of Australia, in which general practice experts encouraged GPs to draw up their own flu pandemic plans.

"Regardless of planned emergency measures such as temporary 'fever clinics', the reality is that in a time of social distress, fear and anxiety, most individuals will look to their most trusted source of health information - their family doctor," Dr Haikerwal said.

"GPs will be at the front line at every stage of a pandemic outbreak. All pandemic policies must reflect this reality."

Currently there appears to be no consistency across States and Territories regarding the role of fever clinics or how patients will be directed to the most appropriate care, Dr Haikerwal said.

"Governments must resolve these issues and, as a matter of urgency, deliver to GPs a clear and consistent pandemic primary care plan, so doctors can get on with completing their own plans," he said.