What is the role and responsibilities of Divisions?

The role of the division is to undertake local liaison, development and administration support work for the Initiative. It is the responsibilities of the Division to set up and recommend GPs to the Panel.

Reporting times and dates.

Reporting will not be overly onerous.

Divisions will be expected to submit a detailed annual plan and annual budget by 15 March each year. However, for the 2004-2005 financial year Divisions of General Practice will need to provide an updated annual plan by 31 August 2004 to include the GP Panels Initiative (this was not included in the annual reports submitted in May of this year).

Divisions are to provide the Department with a brief report, referred to as an Implementation Report, when the panel is about to be established and this can be submitted no later than 6 December 2004. This will be a brief report outlining who and what the Panel will do in the division. Acceptance of the implementation report will generate the second quarterly payment.

Divisions of General Practice will then provide a 6 monthly (Feb) and a 12 monthly (August) report as standard practices for core funding. 

Because there are two separate areas of funding, the six and twelve monthly reports will need to clearly identify and separate the activities and achievements of the Divisions in supporting the implementation of the GP Panels Initiative.  Reporting on funding will also need to remain separate for the GP component and Division component.


Who will fund the Divisions?

The initial upfront payment for Divisions of General Practice will be provided through State and Territory officers of DoHA. Payment will then be paid quarterly with the second amount after the acceptance of the implementation report by DoHA.

Funding for the Divisions Network (ADGP, SBOs & Divisions) will be halved in the second and third years of this Initiative.  More details will be contained within the specific Divisions contracts.

Can unspent funds be rolled over?

The Department of Health and Ageing are investigating this question further.  At this stage, they suggest that they are hopeful that this will be able to occur.  However, funding is higher in the first year as a recognition that the workload in establishing the GP Panels is greater in the first year than consequent years.  Due to the uncertainity regarding roll over Divisions should budget for full expenditure in the first year.

What range of activities will the Divisions undertake?

Division will establish the Panel and provide an action plan to the DoHA. Divisions will consult with GPs and aged care homes to identify key priorities and establish appropriate models that suit local needs.
Core activities Divisions will be expected to undertake as part of the Initiative are:

i Consulting with GPs and aged care homes to identify current service delivery arrangements (including which GPs are already providing services), service delivery gaps and pressures
ii Identifying key priorities within the Division boundaries to improve access to GP services for residents of aged care homes
iii Selecting and establishing appropriate models that best suit local needs and the expectations and preferences of GPs, residents and aged care homes
iv Liaising and communicating with GPs, aged care homes and other relevant stakeholders
v Facilitating the engagement of GPs to participate on the Panels in collaboration / partnership with aged care homes
vi Establishing and managing contractual arrangements with GPs
vii Promoting interest among GPs in providing services to residents of aged care homes under the Initiative
viii Sharing resources and working with other Divisions to implement the initiative
ix Monitoring, evaluating and reporting on the implementation and operation of the Initiative in their area
x Reviewing and adapting the model operating within the Division in light of experience
xi Working with GPs and aged care homes to establish or support quality activities.

Examples of other activities that Divisions may undertake as part of the initiative include:

i Facilitating access to up-skilling and/or professional support to participating GPs
ii Working with aged care homes to establish Division-wide medication advisory groups or quality care committees
iii Working with GPs and aged care homes to source or adapt protocols, tools and other arrangements to assist in streamlining GP activities and improved service delivery arrangements.

How will they make payments to GPs?

Payment can be made to remunerate GPs for time spent undertaking panel activities by an hourly rate, retainer or discrete task. It is up to the Divisions of General Practice to decide on the best option for the Division. It should be noted that DGP need to account for GP payments separately to DGP funds.

What if a Division does not wish to participate in the GP Panels Initiative?

Divisions are not obligated to participate in the Aged Care GP Panels Initiative.  If a Division chooses to not be involved the Initiative the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing will source an alternative provider of the service.  Options may include a neighgbouring Division or an Aged Care Home.  If a Division chooses to not take up the initiative they will not be eligible to coordinate the GP Panels Initiative within the Division area for the three years currently allocated to this initiative.

How will Divisions engage / communicate with Aged Care Homes?

Divisions will be responsible for engaging the aged care homes within their region.  The Initiative will not stipulate how this is achieved.  However, it is expected that Divisions will undertake a comprehensive consultation process with the relevant stakeholders especially aged care homes. 

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