FED: Doctors warn super clinics could erode existing services

AAP General News (Australia)
04-15-2008
FED: Doctors warn super clinics could erode existing services

CANBERRA, April 15 AAP - Doctors says it is vital existing GP services are not undermined
or made non-viable by the introduction of the Rudd government's "super clinics".

The federal government has promised to spend $220 million on building one-stop medical
centres in the bush and outer suburbs in an effort to improve health care and reduce pressure
on hospitals.

The roll-out of the plan is yet to be timetabled but it is understood details will
be announced in next month's federal budget.

Under the proposal, the government will provide capital funding for building clinics
in areas where access to primary health care services is poor.

The so-called super clinics would bring GPs and other health professionals and services
under one roof and provide space and training facilities.

In order to lure doctors to outer metropolitan and rural areas where there are shortages,
the government plans to also offer incentive payments of up to $15,000.

However, the Australian Medical Association (AMA) has urged the government to be careful
the introduction of the clinics do not undermine existing services, warning that only
a third of the proposed sites are in officially designated areas of workforce shortage.

"The government needs to work with the profession and the community to ensure GP super
clinics are located where they are most needed," AMA president Rosanna Capolingua said.

The AMA, which has made a submission on the proposed framework for the clinics, says
funding must also be made available to existing GP practices.

"This initiative should not risk local communities losing their local doctors," Dr
Capolingua said.

She said that in many instances it would be more beneficial to invest in existing GP
practices to help in improving their services.

There was no evidence the super clinics would significantly relieve pressure on emergency
departments, but investing in the provision of after-hours services would benefit the
community, Dr Capolingua said.

AAP kms/cdh

KEYWORD: CLINICS

2008 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.