Name General Practice North Division Number 702 Classification Rural Number of Member GPs 135 State Tasmania Year Established 1992 Number of Member Practices 49 Postcodes Covered 7209, 7210, 7211, 7212, 7213, 7214, 7215, 7216, 7248, 7249, 7250, 7252, 7253, 7254, 7255, 7257, 7258, 7259, 7260, 7261, 7262, 7263, 7264, 7265, 7267, 7268, 7270, 7275, 7276, 7277, 7290, 7291, 7292, 7300, 7301, 7302, 7303, 7304 Population 134,533 (2001 Census) Area Covered The Division covers 19 935.305 square kilometres incorporating the Local Government areas of Break O'Day, Dorset, Flinders, George Town, Launceston, Meander Valley, Northern Midlands and West Tamar. CEO Mr Phil Edmondson Chair Dr Judith Watson Physical Address: Level 5, 11 High Street LAUNCESTON TAS 7250 Australia Postal Address: PO Box 2086 LAUNCESTON TAS 7250 Australia Email: contact@gpnorth.com.au Phone: 03 6331 9296 Fax: 03 6334 2443 Website: http://www.gpnorth.com.au

General Practice North (formerly GP North) was also one of the first 10 demonstration Divisions. It covers the 63-telephone region and represents general practices from Ross in the Northern Midlands to Flinders Island.

General Practice North runs a dynamic program of services and projects in the Northern region of the State drawing funds from a number of core and alternate sources.

General Practice North has a long and active history of alternate funds sourcing that has culminated in the establishment of a successful subsidiary service company for general and other health practice. In doing so, the Division has been able to significantly broaden its service portfolio and strengthen its local support role for general practice and other health providers.

MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS

• Initiated the GP Network National Divisions electronic communication project.
• Enjoys 98% membership of eligible GPs.
• Solid integrative and communicative foundations within its service community.
• Solid alternative funding base to the programs of activity.
• Implementation of a broad spectrum of regionally appropriate clinical and non-clinical activities to support General Practice.

CHALLENGES FOR THE FUTURE

• Consolidation of a new management structure.
• Further expansion of alternative funding base.
• Continuing emphasis on GP support and service level integration.
• Enhancing working relationships with State Health in negotiation for delivery of effective rural services.
• Consolidation of membership services program.
• Increasing active involvement of membership in Division program activity.
• Continued advocacy for the profession's pivotal role in primary health care