Four Springfield-based practices have received grants under a new program aimed at improving services and patient access.
As part of the federal government’s new Strengthening Medicare – General Practice (GP) Grants Program, four clinics based in Springfield Central received funds.
They include Springfield Doctors, Australian Veteran Health Services, My Medical & Dental Centre, and Wellness Medical & Skin Cancer Clinic.
Practices were eligible for grants of $25,000, $35,000, or $50,000, depending on their size.
These grants allow GPs to invest in innovation, training, equipment, and minor capital works.
Other benefits include improving digital health capability, upgrading infection prevention and control arrangements, and achieving or maintaining accreditation – under Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) standards. (Those not currently accredited against RACGP standards were eligible for $25,000 only.)
Blair MP Shayne Neumann said the government was simply recognising the hard work of local doctors.
“After working tirelessly throughout the pandemic, doctors deserve more than thanks,” Mr Neumann said.
“That’s why we’re giving them the resources to invest in their practices.”
Mr Neumann said access to health care was at the top of the list of concerns when talking to locals.
“We understand the crucial importance of primary health care provided by GPs. This funding will help improve practices and make sure patients can access safe, quality and affordable healthcare when and where they need it.”
The grants for GPs come on top of a range of recent government-led health initiatives.
In the May Budget, the government tripled the bulk billing incentive so more people, including children, pensioners, and concession card holders can see a bulk-billed GP.
In addition, in late August, it opened a new Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (or UCC) in North Ipswich – at the Riverlink Medical & Dental Centre in North Ipswich – with extended hours of operation to ease some of the burden on Ipswich Hospital.
And since September, a range of common medicines are now cheaper through a two-for-one prescription pricing scheme.
For more information about the program, and other Department of Health and Aged Care schemes, visit health.gov.au.
