The community needs more options when accessing healthcare
We heard from your community that accessing primary health services, like GPs or allied health services, is a challenge.
We also heard that the wait time for people to see a doctor (GP) can become a bottleneck. Many health services require you to get a referral from a GP first, for example, if you need to see a specialist doctor.
We need to give people a range of options in case one healthcare service is not available when they need it. That's also why it is important for healthcare services to be connected. The same person may access lots of different health services, and it will be a better experience for everyone if these services are closely linked, like a health team.
What are we doing about this?
We supported the recruitment of new GPs in Quirindi within two separate clinics.
What impact will this have?
- More people in the community can get care when they need it
- There are fewer delays when accessing other services that require a referral from a GP.
We are supporting two local pharmacists in Quirindi and Werris Creek to undertake advanced training, which will allow them to provide more health services to their communities.
What impact will this have?
- More health services offered to the community through local pharmacies
- Urgent care for certain specific illnesses when a GP may be unavailable, and the only other option is an Emergency Department.
We are partnering with some local allied health professionals to start a regular networking event that can help to connect the different services. We can use this opportunity to provide updated information about new services that are available, and upskilling opportunities.
What impact will this provide?
- More awareness of health services and pathways
- Improved care coordination from health professionals
- Professional wellbeing
- Positive attraction for new health professionals
