Investing in Primary Care Infrastructure

Summary from Health Reform Website:-

The Australian Government will invest $355 million for up to 23 new GP Super Clinics and to upgrade around 425 general practices, primary care and community health services, and Aboriginal Medical Services to improve access to integrated GP and primary health care.

How will this initiative work?
Around 23 new GP Super Clinics will be provided, comprising:

* .approximately 9 new large GP Super Clinics. In addition to doctors, nurses and allied health professionals, these clinics are expected to include more specialised services such as renal dialysis, minor surgical procedures, rehabilitation services, radiology and state funded services. They will have significant capacity for inter-professional clinical training and education.
* approximately 14 new medium GP Super Clinics will also provide access to a wide range of health professionals and services, scaled to suit a smaller population than the large clinics.

Three streams of funding will be provided to build the capacity of about 425 existing general practices, primary care and community health services, and Aboriginal Medical
Services to deliver GP Super Clinic style services:

* Grants of up to $150,000 will be available to existing general practices, primary care and community health services, and Aboriginal Medical Services to expand or upgrade, for example, allied health services or provide accommodation for an additional GP or practice nurse.
* Grants of up to $300,000 will be available to existing facilities that, for example, expand or upgrade accommodation for additional doctors, allied health professionals or practice nurses, strengthen team based care services and offer extended hours.
* Grants of up to $500,000 will be available for existing facilities that, in addition to the previously identified elements, also establish teaching facilities and transition to a GP Super Clinic style facility.

Direct and competitive grants will commence in 2010-11 to establish medium and large GP Super Clinics. Competitive grants will also be available to upgrade and extend existing primary care services.