Summary of Programs & Projects:
Hastings Macleay Division Programs have evolved to a point whereby we are able to meet the needs of both local GPs and the funding body by focusing a significant amount of our efforts on improving health outcomes for patients by supporting GPs in their practices.  It has been recognised from discussions with and surveys received from GPs and practice staff that more support to practices is required to enable them to work more efficiently (smarter not harder), increase job satisfaction (improved lifestyle and health for GPs), take advantage of the new Medicare Item Numbers (help in deciphering the Government information on these, implementing the initiatives and increase practice revenue using these Items) and ultimately improve patient outcomes (keeping the funding body happy as patients are kept healthy in the community and out of the hospitals).

We have refined our GP Support Program whereby our current support activities in the areas of Immunisation, Information Management, Chronic Disease Management, Accreditation, Service Incentive Payments (Asthma, Cervical Screening and Diabetes), Practice Incentive Payments, Practice Managers Meetings, Practice Nurse Liaison, Doctors Health, EPC, After Hours, Locum Support are developed into a coordinated Program that is adequately resourced in terms of staff and funding to achieve its outcomes.  In addition we have implemented a Practice Audit Program whereby our staff conduct practice audits and from the information gained make recommendations to the practice on how they can do things more efficiently and profitably.

Our Division also runs a continuing education program for GPs and facilitates access to upskilling activities. We have Education Subsidies that allow GPs to have the costs of upskilling subsidised. We also have several programs that address specific, identified areas of priority. These include Mental Health, Diabetes, Immunisation, Home Medication Review, National Prescribing Service, Health Promotion Practice Enhancement and the employment of Allied Health Professionals in our RRMA 4-7.

A vital role of the Division is to facilitate communication and act as an information source for GPs and other health service providers. To achieve this we act as a conduit for transfer of information to General Practice thereby ensuring that GPs are kept up to date with the latest from all stakeholders in the health industry.  We also facilitate and actively promote the inclusion of GPs and Division input into local health planning and service delivery.  We have GPs and Division staff on several Mid North Coast Area Health Service Committees.  Over the years the Division and the MNCAHS have worked collaboratively on a number of programs and have developed an excellent working relationship. The Division considers this collaboration as being essential in formulating/developing joint approaches to health service delivery in the Hastings Macleay region. 2004-05 will see the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two organisations that cements this collaborative relationship.

Communication is a two way process so we equally promote stakeholder participation into our planning.  The Division has consumer representatives on all Division Committees and we invite the Area Health Service, Hospitals, Aboriginal Medical Services and other stakeholders to contribute to our planning process.

Over time the Division has increased its profile in the Community to such a level where our input is requested on numerous occasions.  Our role has become more recognised and I feel that the next few years will see some further enhancement to the role we play in the health system.

Last updated: November 2004