Mass exodus of GPs from health system prompts dire warning from regional doctors
2 years, 2 months ago

Mass exodus of GPs from health system prompts dire warning from regional doctors

ABC  

Yarrawonga-based doctor Clyde Ronan has been working in general practice for 40 years. Key points: The Rural Doctors Association is calling for immediate reform of the GP system A high number of GPs are leaving the industry across the country Doctors say there are not enough new recruits to replace those leaving Now 70, he says while he still enjoys the work, he has been thinking of retiring for some time. 'We're extremely concerned' Rural Doctors Association of Australia president Megan Belot said the loss of GPs was more dire in regional areas than in metropolitan areas, and an urgent overhaul of the whole general practice system was required. She's calling for urgent reform of the whole GP system — from updating bulk-billing and creating better working conditions and support for GPs, to making general practice a more attractive career for young doctors. "We just need more amazing junior doctors to choose rural generalism as a career because it actually is an amazing career," she said.

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History of this topic

GPs are squandering whatever public support they have left by betraying us all: DR MARTIN SCURR
4 months, 3 weeks ago

GPs are squandering whatever public support they have left by betraying us all: DR MARTIN SCURR

Daily Mail  

The worst of all worlds – that’s the only way to sum up the disgraceful decision by more than 8,500 GPs to vote for industrial action ahead of negotiations with the Government over new contracts. Several of them are downright dangerous to patients, despite claims by the doctors’ union that by implementing them, GPs can ‘support a safe service for …

New residents moving to regional areas urged to advocate for better health resources
7 months, 2 weeks ago

New residents moving to regional areas urged to advocate for better health resources

ABC  

Rebecca Knewstubb and her family were hoping for a sense of calm when they traded their hectic life on the Gold Coast for a quiet part of the central Queensland coastline. "We've considered moving back so that we can get treatment for Annabelle," Ms Knewstubb said. "She doesn't go out, she won't leave the house because she's scared that she …

Raising 'prestige' of GPs key to addressing regional SA doctor shortages
1 year, 4 months ago

Raising 'prestige' of GPs key to addressing regional SA doctor shortages

ABC  

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners says the industry needs to raise the "prestige" of general practice to help fix regional doctor shortages in Mount Gambier and other regional centres. Key points: Health leaders say there are not enough GPs being trained in Australia to meet demand Medical students are choosing to move into specialist roles rather than working …

Patients, advocates welcome travel subsidy boost but say scheme is underfunded
1 year, 6 months ago

Patients, advocates welcome travel subsidy boost but say scheme is underfunded

ABC  

Rural Queenslanders are welcoming the first increase to the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme in more than 10 years, but say it does not go far enough in addressing health inequity. Key points: Patients will receive more money to pay for costs associated with medical care, but say the increase falls short of the minimum price for some services A health …

Help us investigate Australia's health system
1 year, 9 months ago

Help us investigate Australia's health system

ABC  

We know the Australian health system has been under strain, and not just because of COVID. For years, we've reported on chronic staffing shortages that have left burnt-out workers trying to carry a bigger load. We know there are long delays for elective surgery, emergency department delays and chronic ambulance ramping at hospitals. Across Australia, GPs are withdrawing bulk-billing services …

Family doctors warn that GP surgeries may close en masse amid funding and recruitment crisis
2 years, 2 months ago

Family doctors warn that GP surgeries may close en masse amid funding and recruitment crisis

ABC  

Three in four family doctors say they are burnt-out, and most practice owners fear they will close their surgeries due to mounting costs, a survey has found. Key points: A survey of GPs finds most say they are burnt-out, and one in four will retire shortly Family doctors' Medicare payments have increased just $6 in 14 years for a typical …

Doctor availability in regional Australia limited by declining workforce
2 years, 7 months ago

Doctor availability in regional Australia limited by declining workforce

ABC  

Mount Gambier residents are waiting two or three weeks to visit their regular GP as a result of a shortfall that has failed to gain traction in federal election campaigning. Key points: An ongoing shortage of regional GPs has some patients waiting weeks for an appointment An ageing rural GP workforce means the situation may get worse Despite the issues, …

Doctors warn health services in regional SA could 'self-destruct' as contract negotiations stall
3 years, 5 months ago

Doctors warn health services in regional SA could 'self-destruct' as contract negotiations stall

ABC  

South Australian doctors warn health services outside Adelaide will "self-destruct" if negotiations for a new contract covering regional doctors are not successful. Key points: The agreement under which regional doctors work in SA hospitals has expired Negotiations with the state government to renew the agreement have stalled Doctors want more pay, support and professional development opportunities The state's Rural Doctors …

Regional GP clinics at risk of closure due to 'critical' doctor shortage
3 years, 6 months ago

Regional GP clinics at risk of closure due to 'critical' doctor shortage

ABC  

A NSW South Coast-based doctor is on the brink of closing her practice due to a critical GP shortage sweeping through regional Australia. Key points: GPs say they are struggling to keep clinics open due to a chronic shortage of doctors Experts say the shortage is due to some areas not being eligible to employ overseas-trained doctors The federal government …

Regional healthcare worker shortages continue to worsen after a decade of government inaction
3 years, 7 months ago

Regional healthcare worker shortages continue to worsen after a decade of government inaction

ABC  

It is a perennial problem with very few answers — how to get doctors and other healthcare workers to regional and rural parts of the country. "The last of the the National Rural Health strategy was in 2011 and unfortunately, it didn't get properly implemented," CEO of the National Rural Health Alliance Gabrielle O'Kane said. "It's incredibly difficult because there …

Rural GPs in high demand in SA as doctors call on peers to make country move
3 years, 8 months ago

Rural GPs in high demand in SA as doctors call on peers to make country move

ABC  

Rural GPs in South Australia are calling on their colleagues in the city to make the move to regional practices, as a way to benefit themselves and local communities. Key points: Rural doctors in South Australia are encouraging city-based GPs to take jobs in country areas The president of the Rural Doctors Association of Australia says the traditional workflow of …

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