Doctors call for system overhaul
Your GP could become your onestop health shop.
In a move that would make it easier for the patient and cost less for the taxpayer, doctors are calling for more procedures to take place in primary care.
General Practice New Zealand, which represents practices around the country, said a number of hospital procedures and appointments were betterplaced in the community.
That included radiology, minor procedures, rehabilitation, and the management of many long-term conditions.
Its chairman, Karori
GP Jeff Lowe, says the health system needs to shift to make general practice its hub. This would make visits more convenient for the patient, reduce waiting and travel time and lead to a continuity of care.
The call comes ahead of the much-anticipated review of the health and disability system, led by Heather Simpson.
GPs had the capacity and expertise to take the pressure off hospitals, Lowe said.
In addition, patients were more likely to make use of healthcare that was easier to access, which would reduce health inequalities.
Royal College of General Practitioners president Dr Sam Murton said there was an opportunity to provide more care in the community. But more funding would be needed to do this.
‘‘GPs are pretty skilled,’’ she said. ‘‘We could be doing a lot more, which would save health dollars.’’
In her own Wellington practice, Murton had installed a social worker who was able to support patients in other areas of their life with issues that lead to ill health.
That included budgeting advice and helping patients to get insulation in their homes.
‘‘When people have got low-level disease the funding of that care in a wrap-around way isn’t always there. It ends up costing more money,’’ she added.
The review panel’s final report was scheduled to be presented to Health Minister David Clark in March. It was put off because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The review aimed to ensure the health and disability system was fair and inclusive; its interim report found the system was overcomplicated and fragmented.
Stuff understands it is due to be published this week.