Push for new focus on GPS to help ease the pressure

TOWNSVILLE GP Michael Clements is calling for general practice to be “front and centre” in the election campaign as pressures on doctors, especially in rural and regional areas, compound.

Dr Clements, who is also the Royal Australian College of GPS Rural chair, said whoever wins the election needs to give general practice a “shot in the arm”.

This comes just weeks after news a medical centre at Bowen was to close, with the owners unable to sell the practice.

The Bowen medical centre is one of multiple in rural and remote Queensland struggling to secure general practitioners.

He said GPS, practice managers, nurses, receptionists and administration workers were needed now more than ever, with the country still dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.

Dr Clements said in addition to providing vaccines and boosters, GPS were addressing mental health concerns exacerbated by the pandemic.

“The pressures facing general practice have not sprung up overnight either,” he said.

“It’s important to remember that we were already facing an ageing population, rising rates of chronic disease such as dia

betes and more and more patients presenting with mental health concerns.

“There are fault lines in our health system that if not properly addressed will lead to patients in areas such as Townsville and surrounding areas not being able to access the care they need.”

Dr Clements said the RACGP’S election statement included a series of reforms, including changes to Medicare rebates.

He said the investment in general practice would help ensure no one fell between the cracks of the health system.

Dr Clements said the government should increase Medicare rebates for consults that last at least 20 minutes

and 40 minutes by 10 per cent. “This will allow us to take the time needed to care for patients in Townsville and surrounding areas with complex needs, such as those with mental health concerns and people with multiple chronic conditions like asthma. It’s also time for a new Medicare item for longer consultations lasting more than 60 minutes so that we can take the time to get to the bottom of what is going on,” he said.

“Greater investment in high quality general practice care will enhance patient health and wellbeing and reduce hospital admissions. It’s simple to do the maths and realise that investing in general practice care makes sense.”