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| Number of Member Practices |
35 |
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| Postcodes Covered |
4809, 4810, 4811, 4812, 4813, 4814, 4815, 4817, 4818, 4819
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| Population |
151,785 (ABS 2004 estimate)
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| Area Covered |
The local government areas of Townsville City and Thuringowa City Councils
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| CEO |
Ms Julie Scheuber |
| Chair |
Dr Kevin Arlett |
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| Physical Address: |
| Unit 3/106 Dalrymple Service Road |
| CURRAJONG QLD 4812 |
| Australia |
| Postal Address: |
| PO Box 7780 |
| GARBUTT BC QLD 4814 |
| Australia |
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The Division aims to:
- Improve health outcomes for the population of the Townsville/Thuringowa region.
- Promote quality general practice and better integration of health care delivery to the community.
- Support and promote General Practitioners and their activities.
- Act as a forum for communication about issues affecting general practice, other primary health care services and the health of the community.
The Division works closely with other local health care providers on initiatives in the areas of alcohol and drugs, antenatal shared care, women's health, mental health, diabetes, asthma and immunisation.
MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS:
- Achieved AS/NZS ISO 9001:2000 Quality Certification in 2005/06
- Secured the only Division led "Broadband for Health Managed Health Network Grant" to build a Centralised Information Management System (CIMS) Framework that will be the essential communication vehicle for all health service providers within the area wanting work within a sustainable, secure and integrated e-health environment.
- Having been a Demonstration Division for the Nursing in General Practice Program, TDGP continues to be a lead Division in support and training for Practice Nurses.
- Developed in ICT Service Delivery Business, providing IT services and support to general practices, Aboriginal health service, residential aged care facilities and a GP training organisation.
- Provision of quality after hours primary care through Afterhours+GP, a collaborative partnership of local GPs.
- Continuing support for general practice to provided better primary care, manage chronic diseases and ensure quality use of medicines.
- A multidisciplinary Aged Care Panel comprising GPs, Aged Care providers and other professionals committed to improving access to quality primary care for residents of aged care homes.
CHALLENGES FOR THE FUTURE:
Along with the whole of Queensland, Townsville's population is predicted to continue to grow at a significant rate, increasing demand for services of all kinds and placing pressure on existing infrastructure. The capacity of primary health care services to grow to meet this demand is reliant upon good planning, sufficient funding, and increased collaboration between services. Major pressure on the acute sector (The Townsville Hospital) and other state government provided health services is anticipated and will 'spill over' into demand for additional ambulatory and primary health care. While the Division is well placed to support the grow5th of primary health care services in the area, this will require significant collaboration and resource sharing.
The ageing of the population will increase the demand for better health care for the aged and additional aged care support services. Access to appropriate rehabilitation care generally, and more specifically for the elderly, remains an issue within the community. The Division is working with the Townsville Health Services to improve access to care within the community for the chronically ill who are identified as high users of Hospital services. The Division's work with the Aged Care Panel will continue to be a priority to address quality care and gaps in service delivery specifically for the frail aged.
Access to mental health services continues as an issue with many GPs experiencing difficulties in arranging care for patients who are not privately insured and who have not previously accessed the acute services provided by Queensland Health's Integrated Mental Health Service. The Division's Outcomes in Mental Health program laid the foundation for better outcomes for patients with depression. The Division is now also providing support to GPs and Psychologists to implement the Better Access - new Medicare item for Psychology Services, introduced in November 2006.
