Solution to regional GP shortage on the table

SOLUTIONS are being sought by leading GPs to get more general practitioner training in rural areas as a delegation of doctors visits the state's northeast this week. Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) president Michael Wright is part of the delegation that will meet with new GP registrars during their orientation. They will also meet with local practice owners, GPs, and RACGP members to discuss the issues they’re facing on the ground. The RACGP trains 90 per cent of the nation's GPs. Dr Wright said he was looking forward to meeting doctors and registrars in Wangaratta to learn about local issues. “We know there is a shortage of local health services, which is a common problem in rural and remote communities across Australia," Dr Wright said. "Hospitals are often a long drive away and it’s harder to get medicines, nurses, doctors, and specialists. Dr Wright said it was 'essential' that health care kept people healthy and out of hospital. "Everyone in Australia deserves affordable access to GP care, including those in our rural and remote communities," he said. “There is simply no substitute for the quality care you get from a specialist GP who knows you and your history." Dr Wright said the RACGP had a plan for accessible and affordable GP care in Australia and was calling on all political parties to invest in more GP training. He said the government needed to address chronic illnesses in an aging population. “The 2025 Federal Election is especially critical because the need for specialist GPs is skyrocketing. "We need more specialist GPs, and we need them in rural communities like Wangaratta, (where) they often need support to relocate, and some may want to do extra training like emergency medicine. “Funding can remove the barriers for GPs to go rural."

Solution to regional GP shortage on the table

Game-changing equipment for hospital's midwifery department

Haines meets with local NDIS providers over controversial pricing changes

SIAG grants set to boost social inclusion and connection

Flu surges across shire

CGP recognised for rural health leadership

Rufous Whistler – arrival of a summer songbird

Bombers go back-to-back in A grade

“No stone unturned” – Police committed to the long-haul in manhunt

Start your engines, Wilby Drags are back

Most popular stories