Hillcrest Health Centre in Broadmeadows has received $100,000 as part of the Federal Government’s after-hours GP support funding program.Federal Member for Calwell Maria Vamvakinou said: “For many residents, GP clinics are their first port-of-call when they fall ill... as we all know, we don’t just need GPs during business hours."
"As a result the Government is investing in after-hours GP services.”
“The support we offer GPs in providing after-hours services means that more Australians can see and contact a doctor when they need to.”
Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon recently made two announcements to support the program.
The first was the General Practice After-Hours Grants underwrite the Government’s commitment to reduce pressure on hospital emergency departments and build on previously announced grant rounds, meaning that more than 300 communities will benefit during 2010-11 from after-hours GP services.
The second was Minister Roxon’s decision to extend incentives to encourage general practices to provide after-hours care.
The incentives, which had been due to finish on 1 July 2011, will be extended for two years under Tier 1 of the Government’s Practice Incentives Program (PIP) After-Hours Incentive.
101 local GP clinics will receive up to $100,000 each as part of the Gillard Government’s $10 million General Practice After-Hours Grants Program.
Media inquiries: 0409 945 476; for all inquiries about grant applications, please contact the Department of Health and Ageing on (02) 6289 3836
