Hannah Hammoud
Federal McEwen MP, Rob Mitchell has confirmed the federal government’s investment in improving GP practices across the country, including local practices in McEwen.
The Strengthening Medicare – General Practice (GP) Grants Program will allow all general practices and eligible Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) to expand patient access and improve their services.
Mr Mitchell said that the primary health care provided by GPs is of crucial importance.
“This funding will help improve practices and make sure Australians can access safe, quality and affordable healthcare when and where they need it,” he said.
The GP grants will support all general practices and eligible ACCHOs across Australia to make investments in innovation, training, equipment, and minor capital works in one or more of the three investment streams below:
– Enhance digital health capability
– Upgrade infection prevention and control arrangements
– Maintain and/or achieve accreditation against the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Standards for General Practices (5th edition)
Grants will be provided to local practices depending on accredited GP practice size. Smaller practices are eligible for grants of $25,000 or $35,000, and larger practices are eligible for grants of $50,000. GP practices and ACCHOs not currently accredited against the RACGP standards will be eligible for $25,000.
Over the coming weeks, Primary Health Networks and National ACCHOs will be sending letters directly to general practices in McEwen inviting their participation in the grants program.
Mr Mitchell said that for locals in McEwen getting access to healthcare is at the top of the list of community concerns.
“This will give a much-needed boost to general practices across the country and I am proud to be part of a government that recognises the hard work of our GPs,” he said.
