Released 19/10/2018
The ACT Government is delivering on an election commitment to increase the availability of bulk billing General Practices in Canberra’s south by supporting a new general practice and an expansion of another general practice in Tuggeranong
Access to affordable healthcare in our suburbs is important to the livability of our city. Through the Government’s grant program for bulk billing GPs, we are delivering better healthcare, where and when Canberrans need it.
Minister for Health and Wellbeing Meegan Fitzharris said the grants were about bringing more affordable healthcare services into Canberra’s suburbs.
“Canberra has some of the lowest bulk-billing rates in the country,” Minister Fitzharris said.
“By encouraging more general practices to bulk bill we can make it easier for people, in particular for those most in need, to find a local doctor who they can rely on, regardless of their personal circumstances.
“The Interchange General Practice will use a grant of $500,000 to establish a new seven to eight room practice with a focus on bulk billed primary health care services for vulnerable people in our community in Tuggeranong.
“The new practice will deliver up to 35,000 consultations per year when fully staffed. It will provide better medical services for people with drug and alcohol dependency, issues of sexuality and gender diversity, chronic conditions and mental health conditions.
“The Isabella Plains Medical Centre will also be provided a $111,000 grant to upgrade its premises to provide more bulk billing service, as well as improving access for clients with a disability.
“The expansion of the practice will include the refurbishment of two rooms of the practice and the purchase of new equipment for use at outreach clinics and home visits, extending the Centre’s remote care capabilities. It will also include a revamp of their website.
“Our GPs play an important role in keeping Canberrans healthy and out of our hospitals, which is why improving access to more bulk billing services and affordable primary healthcare is so important”, Minister Fitzharris said.
“I will be making further announcements on the Bulk Billing General Practices Grant Fund over the next week. I am also looking forward to exploring further ways the ACT Government can support improved access to GP services and support the GP workforce,” Minister Fitzharris said.
- Statement ends -
Meegan Fitzharris, MLA | Media Releases
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