GP Access is pleased to be one of the first Medicare Locals announced by the Federal Government and  looks forward to working with the community, the Local Health District, GPs and other primary health care providers to deliver a better health system for the Hunter region

A longstanding structural issue in our health is system is the lack of a mechanism to coordinate primary health care services. We are confident the Medicare Local is an opportunity to build from the platform of GP Access to fill this gap.

GP Access is very well positioned to make the transition to a Medicare Local that will deliver early outcomes for the local community given the partnerships, programs and health services we have developed over nearly twenty years.

In the Medicare Local current programs will continue, including GP Access After Hours, Psychology Services. Support services to general practice will also continue and be expanded to other primary health care providers.

The Medicare Local will support GPs and other primary health care providers to work together, including the use of eHealth and the patient controlled electronic health record.

A major new role the Medicare Local will be embarking upon is the development of a primary health care plan for our region that will include prevention and the development of solutions to gaps in services.

One of the problems in our current health system is avoidable admissions that increase the burden on our hospital system and are not good for patients. The Medicare Local will work to strengthen primary health care and keep people well and out of hospital.

Over time, the community will see an increase in preventative health programs and a system of health care that is simpler to use and with better access to services than ever before.