Media Releases

Media Release Archives

A call to action - 32 per cent of disease preventable 25/5/07
A report released today stating an estimated 32 per cent of disease is preventable has been described as a serious wake up call for all levels of government and the community at large by the Australian General Practice Network (AGPN). .
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Community Awareness for Palliative Care 17/5/07
As National Palliative Care Week 2007 (20-26 May) draws to a close the Australian General Practice Network (AGPN) is encouraging Australians to learn more about palliative care and the clinical and support services available for people who are dying. .
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Nurse shortage addressed in the Riverina 12/5/07
Celebrating International Nurses Day (12 May) the Australian General Practice Network (AGPN) has hailed the first phase of a pilot program encouraging nurses into general practice to address growing workforce shortages a complete success. .
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Quality use of medicine overlooked in budget 10/5/07
The Federal Budget has left a void in best practice quality use of medicines following the Government�s decision to discontinue the Enhanced Divisional Quality Use of Medicines (EDQUM) program according to the Australian General Practice Network (AGPN). .
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Providing solutions pays $346m dividend for divisions 9/5/07
Last night�s Federal Budget directly allocated $346.3m into the Divisions of General Practice Network proving organisations that not only identify problems but provide solutions are key players in the future of health care in Australia. .
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$10.1m mental health funding set to save rural lives 8/5/07
Tonight�s $10.1m announcement for rural mental health services is a windfall for struggling farming communities. The funding comes as a direct result of extensive lobbying by GPs, members of the Divisions Network and the Australian General Practice Network (AGPN). .
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Divisions deliver for aged care 8/5/07
An extra $92.9m worth of funding for aged care announced in tonight�s Federal Budget is another victory for the solution focused Australian General Practice Network (AGPN). The funding follows the 2004 Aged Care GP Panels Initiative aimed to improve GP access to aged care facilities (ACF). .
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Still more to do on obesity 8/5/07
The Australian General Practice Network (AGPN) acknowledged health promotion and illness prevention measures in the Federal Budget but believe they don�t go far enough to seriously deal with obesity..
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Immediate dollars for long-term health investment 7/5/07
In the lead up to tomorrow night�s Federal Budget the Australian General Practice Network (AGPN) is urging the Commonwealth to recognise the importance of investing in preventative health measures now to ensure a more sustainable health system for the future. .
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$191.6m for improved care for patients with severe mental health conditions 30/4/07
Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Senator Brett Mason today announced $191.6 million over five years of Federal funding for specialist mental health nurses to assist existing service providers such as GPs to provide care for people with severe mental health disorders. .
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Bubs protected thanks to general practice 27/4/07
A report released last week stating that in the first year of the Childhood Pneumococcal Vaccination Program there was a 75 per cent reduction in Pneumococcal cases in children aged under two years old shows the ongoing success of the Federal Government�s National Immunisation Program (NIP). This is largely attributable to general practices� commitment to immunisation, according to the Australian General Practice Network (AGPN). .
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Pollie Pedal provides prompt reminder for regular screening 24/4/07
As this year�s Pollie Pedal comes to an end, the Australian General Practice Network (AGPN) is reminding Australians about the importance of regular screening for the two main causes the Pollie Pedal has been raising funds for, breast cancer and type 2 diabetes. .
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General practice playing a critical role in reducing hospital admissions 20/4/07
Today�s release of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) report Atlas of Avoidable Hospitalisations in Australia: ambulatory care-sensitive conditions clearly indicates the important role general practice plays in keeping Australians out of hospital through early intervention and prevention strategies such as the effective management of chronic conditions. .
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Speech highlights rural health deficiencies 20/4/07
A speech delivered last night by Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of the Nationals, Mark Vaile, clearly highlighted deficiencies in health services for rural Australians, according to the Australian General Practice Network (AGPN). .
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COAG congratulated on diabetes decisions 13/4/07
The Council of Australian Government (COAG) consisting of state premiers, territory chief ministers and the Prime Minister who met today in Canberra have been congratulated by the Australian General Practice Network (AGPN) for their agreement on a scheme to tackle the diabetes epidemic. .
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COAG must act to alleviate diabetes- The unnatural disaster 12/4/07
Last week�s release of the Intergenerational Report 2 (IG2) handed down by Treasurer Peter Costello provides all the evidence COAG needs to act immediately on preventative health care to reduce the diabetes disaster. .
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Kid�s health check- A step in the right direction 11/4/07
Yesterday�s roundtable on childhood obesity hosted by Opposition spokeswoman for Health Nicola Roxon has been commended by the Australian General Practice Network (AGPN)..
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Kidney disease is chronic 11/3/07
A report released today estimating the costs of treating Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in Australia is rising by $50 million a year highlights the importance of CKD awareness and improved measures for the screening of CKD. .
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$15m for youth mental health solutions 28/2/07
Today�s announcement of $15 million to help young Australian�s receive improved access to mental health services has been welcomed by Australia�s peak body representing the 119 divisions of general practice, the Australian General Practice Network (AGPN). .
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New ANU Medical School Dean welcomed 27/2/07
Today�s announcement of the appointment of Professor Nicholas Glasgow as Dean of The Australian National University�s (ANU) Medical School has been applauded by the Australian General Practice Network (AGPN)..
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State and territory health priorities welcomed 15/2/07
Health principles decided upon at last Friday�s meeting of the Council for the Australian Federation attended by all state and territory government premiers and chief ministers have been applauded by Australia�s peak body representing119 divisions of general practice, the Australian General Practice Network (AGPN). .
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Support for Access Card Legislation 8/2/07
The legislation surrounding the new Access Card being introduced into Federal Parliament this week has been supported by the Australian General Practice Network. .
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Methamphetamines paper welcomed 1/2/07
Wednesday�s release of the Australian National Council on Drugs position paper on methamphetamines has been welcomed by Australia�s peak body representing general practice, the Australian General Practice Network (AGPN)..
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Labor�s health checks for school kids gets a big tick 29/1/07
Labor�s plan to produce a health checklist for children starting school has been welcomed in principle by Australia�s peak body representing general practice, the Australian General Practice Network (AGPN)..
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Government health spend saving Aussie lives 19/1/07
State and Federal Government spending on public health activities during 2004-05 released in an Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report has today been commended by Australia�s peak body representing general practice, the Australian General Practice Network (AGPN). .
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Practice nurses play key role as challenges face GPs 17/1/07
A report released today that analyses data for the first time on the roles played by nurses in general practice has been welcomed by Australia�s peak body representing general practice, the Australian General Practice Network (AGPN)..
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Funding for Divisions Network secure 2/1/07
Today�s announcement by Health Minister, the Hon Tony Abbott of future funding for the Divisions of General Practice to 2010-11 has been welcomed by AGPN..
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Quit smoking prescription for pregnant women 19/12/06
The Australian General Practice Network (AGPN) today welcomed the Federal Government�s launch of the Smoking in Pregnancy Lifescript designed to help pregnant women kick the nicotine habit. .
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Smoking down, exercise levels down, diabetes, obesity and alcohol consumption up 14/12/06
Yesterday�s release of the Changes in Health- A snapshot, 2004-05 by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) indicated that lifestyle risk factors need more community awareness and government action according to Australia�s peak body representing divisions of general practice, the Australian General Practice Network (AGPN).
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Roxon and Lundy�s appointments welcomed 11/12/06
Labor�s announcement of Nicola Roxon as Opposition Health spokesperson and Kate Lundy�s new Health Promotion portfolio have today been welcomed by Australia�s peak body representing divisions of general practice, the Australian General Practice Network (AGPN)..
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Better understanding of the links between drug use and mental illness 6/12/06
In response to the growing problem of drug use linked with mental illness, Australia�s peak body representing general practice, the Australian General Practice Network (AGPN) has developed �Can Do�. This initiative will further develop GPs and other health workers skills in dealing with these complex issues. .
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Regional mental health needs instant action 4/12/06
Calls today by Yass GP Ray Burn have been supported by the Australia�s peak body representing general practice, the Australian General Practice Network (AGPN). AGPN Chair Dr Tony Hobbs said Dr Burn�s comments suggesting poor mental health services in the bush are accurate and far more needs to be done to improve access for patients needing help. .
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A unified Network - delivering local health solutions through general practice 1/12/06
At this week�s AGM the Australian Divisions of General Practice (ADGP), formally changed its name to the Australian General Practice Network (AGPN). AGPN is the peak body representing the interests of the 119 members of the Network as well as the eight state based bodies (SBOs). Approximately 95% of GPs are members of their local divisions, making AGPN the largest voice for general practice in Australia..
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Highest achievement award to Hunter Urban CEO 28/11/06
Hunter Urban Division of General Practice CEO, Dr Arn Sprogis was awarded the Australian General Practice Network�s highest accolade - the John Aloizos Medal at this year�s AGPN annual Forum on the Gold Coast..
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Senator Santoro addressed aged care conference 24/11/06
Minister for Ageing Senator Santo Santoro today addressed the inaugural Australian Divisions of General Practice�s (ADGP) Aged Care Conference. Almost 300 delegates representing divisions of general practice, aged care and allied health professionals heard the Minister discuss a number of aged care issues including information management, GP access to patient records, consulting rooms in aged care facilities and improved Medicare item numbers. .
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International expert talks pan flu 20/11/06
The largest primary health care conference in Australia will hear from leading world flu expert Dr Lance Jennings. The Australian Divisions of General Practice (ADGP) Forum being held on the Gold Coast next week will hear Dr Jennings speak on pandemic flu..
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Abbott cuts red tape strangling GPs 16/11/06
Changes to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) announced by Federal Health Minister Tony Abbott have been welcomed by Australia�s peak body representing divisions of general practice, the Australian Divisions of General Practice (ADGP)..
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It�s a world of diabetes out there 13/11/06
Marking World Diabetes Day (November 14) Australia�s peak body representing general practice, the Australian Divisions of General Practice (ADGP) has called for more national awareness and early intervention measures to reduce the incidence of this epidemic.
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PBAC decision disappointing 8/11/06
The Australian Divisions of General Practice (ADGP) has described the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) decision to reject Gardasil as a very sad decision for Australian women. ADGP Chair Dr Tony Hobbs said the decision makes no health or social sense .
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Improved GP services lie in workforce incentives 1/11/06
Australia�s peak body representing divisions of general practice today released their 2007-08 Federal Budget submission. Australian Divisions of General Practice (ADGP) Chair Dr Tony Hobbs said the submission provides targeted and practical solutions to the many challenges facing the health care system in Australia particularly in the area of the health workforce shortage. .
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Drought deaths demand instant action 19/10/06
�Male farmers are taking their own lives at a rate of one every four days � this is an alarming statistic� said Dr Tony Hobbs, Chair of the Australian Divisions of General Practice (ADGP). .
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Australia leading the way in rural palliative care 17/10/06
As part of National Carers Week (October 15-21) Australia�s peak body representing divisions of general practice is officially recognising and thanking carers working as part of a world first palliative care initiative. .
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Suicide prevention: building resilient communities through primary care 12/10/06
The Federal Government�s announcement of increased funding for suicide prevention and telephone counselling through Lifeline today has been welcomed by Australia�s peak body representing general practice. .
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Mental health Medicare measures welcome, but equity at risk 9/10/06
The Federal Government�s Better Access to Mental Health Care announcement today has been welcomed by Australia�s peak body representing general practice. The Australian Divisions of General Practice (ADGP) Chair Dr Tony Hobbs said the new funding will go a long way to improving the community�s access to mental health services. .
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New Chairperson for ADGP Board 19/9/06
At the ADGP Board meeting held in Canberra last Sunday, Dr Tony Hobbs was selected as Chairperson elect. The decision to have a chair elect was made to ensure good governance and a smooth transition between ADGP Board Chairs. .
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Joining hands to help fight obesity 14/9/06
Australian parents are being urged to help their children develop a healthy lifestyle with a good balance between diet and exercise, through a community service announcement (CSA) on obesity that will start to go to air on Australian television over the next week. .
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ADGP welcomes High Court�s decision 31/8/06
The Australian Divisions of General Practice (ADGP) welcomed today�s High Court decision in the Central Bayside General Practice Association Limited (CBGPA) case. This decision confirms CBGPA status as a charitable body. .
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Divisions to delve into DOTARS funding dollars 22/8/06
The Australian Divisions of General Practice today welcomed Minister for Transport and Regional Services Warren Truss�s announcement allowing divisions of general practice to access up to $400,000 for rural medical infrastructure projects. ADGP Chair Dr Jenny Thomson said nearly 70 divisions would now have access to the program known as the Rural Medical Infrastructure Fund (RMIF). .
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Evidence-based prescribing a must 20/8/06
The Australian Medical Association�s (AMA) calls today to have an evidence-based approach to prescribing medicine is fully supported and addressed in the Australian Division�s of General Practice (ADGP) Effective Resource Management (ERM) proposal. ADGP Chair Dr Jenny Thomson said the AMA�s example of patients in teaching hospital with heart conditions not being prescribed life-saving medication is concerning and reinforces the need for evidence-based prescribing methods. .
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GPs well prepared to support patients tackle obesity 20/8/06
GPs are well prepared to deliver the National Health and Medical Research Council guidelines for treating obesity, following calls for GP support made by Senator Guy Barnett on Wednesday. ADGP Chair Dr Jenny Thomson said through the divisions network, Australian GPs are well equipped and are already tackling Australia�s largest growing epidemic. .
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A Booster for Australia�s Immunisation Program 17/8/06
Immunisation of Australia's children will be improved under a $625,000 funding boost to general practice state-based organisations. ADGP Chair Dr Jenny Thomson said ADGP welcomed the increased funds and said Australian children will benefit from the boost. .
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Medicare queues a thing of the past 13/8/06
Wasting lunch hours lining up to claim back Medicare rebates will be a thing of the past under changes to the Commonwealth Government Medicare payment system that were announced today..
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Young fit, don�t want to get sick 12/8/06
Marking International Youth Day (August 12), the Australian Divisions of General Practice have urged young people across Australia to find and visit their general practitioner..
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AMA gets full support on GP hospital teamwork 26/7/06
Calls by the AMA to have GPs involved and informed of their patient�s conditions and treatments, whilst in hospital have been fully supported by the Australian Divisions of General Practice (ADGP)..
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Cut the draconian intervention, interference and intrusion 19/7/06
The Australian Divisions of General Practice (ADGP) supported calls made by Australian Medical Association (AMA) President, Mukesh Haikerwal during his address to the National Press Club in Canberra today, calling for the removal of the red tape that is strangling GPs. .
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Ground breaking initiative for young Aussie�s mental health 18/7/06
Today�s launch of headspace, a new $54 million initiative to address mental health and drug and alcohol issues experienced by young people has been welcomed by consortium member, the Australian Divisions of General Practice (ADGP). ADGP in conjunction with the ORYGEN Research Centre, the Australian Psychological Society and the Brain and Mind Research Institute will work as a coalition to directly target this spiraling issue affecting so many young Australians. .
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COAG congratulated on common sense 17/7/06
Historical reforms to GP registration agreed on at today�s COAG meeting have been welcomed by the Australian Divisions of General Practice (ADGP). ADGP Chair Dr Jenny Thomson said it was about time Australia recognised the importance of national registration for general practitioners. .
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Co-ordinated COAG approach equals effective care coordination 17/7/06
Australians suffering from mental illness will be far better assisted following the COAG agreement on a National Action Plan on Mental Health. The creation of 900 new mental health �helpers� will result in a smoother transition between levels of care and more importantly help avoid the �revolving door syndrome�- relapse and readmission. .
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Half the 1.2 million Australians living with diabetes don�t know it 10/7/06
Complications can affect the heart, kidneys, eyes, nervous system and circulation. It�s one of the top ten underlying causes of death in Australia- it�s diabetes and 600,000 Australians don�t even know they have it. Australian Divisions of General Practice Chair Dr Jenny Thomson said during National Diabetes Week anyone who has symptoms, or are at risk of developing diabetes should visit their GP and be tested. .
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Partnership breaking the sick cycle 6/7/06
The second round of announcements for the Healthy for Life program, designed to break the Indigenous cycle of poor health has today been welcomed by the Australian Divisions of General Practice. ADGP Chair Dr Jenny Thomson said the program directly addresses chronic illness by allowing health services to improve the prevention, early detection and management of chronic diseases. .
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The higher the content the higher price 26/6/06
Alcoholic drinks should be priced based on their liquor content according to the Australian Divisions of General Practice (ADGP)..
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The bush to benefit from increased registrar numbers 23/6/06
The Australian Divisions of General Practice (ADGP) today welcomed the Commonwealth Government�s Rural Transition Program (RTP) aimed at encouraging medical graduates wanting to specialise in general practice to be trained in the areas that need them most..
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Substantial answers for substance abuse 21/6/06
Do you or someone you care about have a substance abuse problem? Your GP can help. As part of Drug Action Week the Australian Divisions of General Practice (ADGP) invite anyone concerned about substance abuse to visit their doctor..
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Online training benefits GPs 20/6/06
To mark Drug Action Week�, the Australian Divisions of General Practice (ADGP) has launched an innovative new online training package, Your Mental Health and Alcohol: Managing the Mix..
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Wealth and Health- It's Frightening 16/6/06
Links between health and wealth identified in a recent report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) are alarming according to the Australian Divisions of General Practice (ADGP)..
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ADGP Submission to Senate Economics Committee on Customs Amendment 5/6/06
In our submission to the Senate Economics Committee on Customs Amendment (Fuel Tax Reform and Other Measures) Bill 2006, ADGP urges the government to consider uniform tax incentives for growing the reduced strength alcohol market..
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ADGP encourages smokers to see their general practice for help to quit on World No Tobacco Day 31/5/06
If you�re thinking about quitting smoking on World No Tobacco Day (today 31 May) you don�t have to do it on your own. The Australian Divisions of General Practice urge smokers who are thinking about quitting to consult their general practice for advice and support to kick the habit. Your practice team can conduct a Lifescripts smoking assessment and provide you with a lifestyle prescription to help you to quit smoking or cut down on your tobacco use..
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GPs and Pharmacy Groups working together to fight binge drinking 31/5/06
The Australian Divisions of General Practice and The Pharmacy Guild of Australia are pleased to announce a joint initiative to combat the problems associated with binge drinking..
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Promoting primary health teams through expansion of Regional Medical Infrastructure Fund (RMIF) eligibility 31/5/06
The Australian Divisions of General Practice (ADGP) CEO Kate Carnell today has called on Warren Truss MP, Minister for Transport and Regional Services to make changes to eligibility criteria to enhance the up take of the existing Regional Medical Infrastructure Fund (RMIF) program..
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ADGP Celebrates National Palliative Care Week 21 May - 27 May 26/5/06
The Australian Divisions of General Practice (ADGP) in partnership with the Divisions Network, Palliative Care Australia and Carers Australia are celebrating National Palliative Care Week (NPCW) under the theme �Partners in Care�..
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Practice nurse survey reveals an increase in numbers 19/5/06
The number of nurses working in general practice has jumped 23 per cent in the last two years with more than half of practices now employing at least one, according to an Australian Divisions of General Practice survey.
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Preventing Diabetes is critical for the health of Australians 17/5/06
A new report by the International Diabetes Institute has shown 275 Australians are developing diabetes each day with almost one million people living with diabetes in Australia. With 600 Australians progressing from being overweight to obese each day this is an epidemic must be addressed urgently..
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The National Primary Health Care Partnership is established communique 15/5/06
A broad cross section of health professionals and consumers involved in the delivery of primary health services met for the first time today in Canberra. Participants agreed to form a new group called the National Primary Health Care Partnership in order to provide a strong united national voice for primary health care. .
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ADGP welcomes the Government�s commitment to addressing obesity and other lifestyle risk factors through additional funding for Lifescripts 11/5/06
ADGP welcomes the increased funding of $2.7million over four years the government has committed to the Lifescripts initiative which provides tools for general practice to address obesity and other lifestyle risk factors for chronic disease with patients. Lifescripts is being implemented through the Divisions of General Practice network and is supported by a number of other commitments in the Australian Better Health Initiative..
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Focus on health prevention and early intervention welcomed 10/5/06
ADGP welcomes the announcement of a $250m package over five years to promote healthy lifestyles under the Australian Better Health Initiative. We understand that the Divisions of General Practice Network will play an important role in the delivery of this package to improve the health outcomes for people with identifiable health risks. We also believe that the Divisions will play an important role in the new patient self management programs to assist people living with chronic conditions..
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Working together to deliver better mental health care 5/5/06
ADGP has welcomed the results of a new study published in the Australian Health Review. The study shows that the ability of GPs to access psychological services through primary care programs results in more positive outcomes for patients..
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ADGP welcomes New Medicare Items for ATSI Child Health Check Ups and Refugee Health 2/5/06
The Australian Divisions of General Practice (ADGP) welcome two new Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) items the Government has released in the May MBS schedule that will provide incentives to general practice to provide specific services to Indigenous children and refugees and other humanitarian entrants to Australia..
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Healthy Weight Healthy Life, Heart Week 2006 2/5/06
Cardiovascular disease affects one in every six Australians. That�s 3.2 million people. ADGP and the Divisions Network are working at reducing those numbers by actively promoting the prevention of chronic disease through general practice..
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Small steps to a longer life 2/5/06
A Cambridge University study involving over 25,00 people aged 45-79 year has found that even small changes in lifestyles towards healthier habits can have a significant impact adding 10-12 years to people�s lives. The study was conducted as part of a multinational longitudinal study the European Prospective Investigation of Cancer (EPIC) study..
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ADGP welcomes government announcement to proceed with access card system 27/4/06
ADGP welcomes the announcement by the Prime Minister that the Government has decided to proceed in principle with a new access card for health and welfare services. This new Smartcard will enable people to obtain Government benefits in a convenient and reliable way without having to re-register and repeat the same information each time they visit a health professional..
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Smartcards for smarter health outcomes 27/4/06
This year 84% of Australians will walk into a general practice, register their personal details at the front desk and verify that they can claim a subsidy from Medicare Australia. Technology has progressed to such an advanced state that the Medicare Card currently in use has become outdated, insecure and is no longer achieving the expectations of government, doctors or their patients..
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ADGP welcomes appointments to Youth Mental Health Foundation Advisory Board 20/4/06
ADGP CEO Kate Carnell said, �In appointing such high profile Australians to the Youth Mental Health Foundation (YMHF) Advisory Board, the Government has recognised the importance of supporting our teenagers and young adults with mental health issues. Mental health and related substance use disorders affecting young Australians is one of our most pressing health and social problems..
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Government support for nurses in general practices should be extended to all practices 12/4/06
ADGP welcomes the announcement today by the Minister for Health and Ageing to extend the subsidy to employ nurses in an additional 650 general practices in urban areas of workforce shortage..
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PM�s mental health package: don�t overlook mental health in regional and rural Australia 10/4/06
ADGP has welcomed the Australian Government�s commitment of $1.8 billion over 5 years to mental health but caution that the package may fall short for rural, remote and regional Australia..
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Integrated primary care the key to keeping adolescents connected and healthy 7/4/06
In National Youth Week, Dr Jenny Thomson Chair of the Australian Divisions of General Practice (ADGP) said that �With more than 75 per cent of serious mental health problems commencing during adolescence, the need to provide young people with the skills to maintain well-being, to identify the early signs and symptoms of mental illness and to stay connected with schools, families and workplaces has never been greater.
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Divisions the answer to delivering the PM�s mental health agenda in communities 6/4/06
ADGP has welcomed the Australian Government�s commitment of $1.8 billion over 5 years to mental health. .
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Senate Select Committee recognises Divisions as the solution 31/3/06
ADGP has welcomed the comprehensive primary health care thrust of the First Report from the Senate Select Committee on Mental Health..
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ADGP calls for national immunisation strategy 29/3/06
The Australian Divisions of General Practice welcomes figures released this month by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare that reported the largest single area of Commonwealth support to the states and territories is in organised immunisation. .
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Community coordinators linked to general practice: the key to delivering mental health outcomes 29/3/06
As COAG gears up to consider a new national plan for mental health mid year, the Australian Divisions of General Practice is calling for the establishment of a network of community coordinators based in the primary care setting.
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$1.5bn injection for mental health care � a step in the right direction 27/3/06
Kate Carnell, ADGP, CEO said �Mental health is one of the most important health issues in the country presently. It is an issue that truly spans the health, social and economic agendas of governments and a $1.5bn injection into the system will no doubt improve service delivery.
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GP network solutions to national mental health service gaps 27/3/06
As Cabinet gears up to consider an Australian government plan for mental health next week, the Australian Divisions of General Practice is calling for increased investment in the established network of psychological services delivered through general practice..
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Getting graphic on smoking 14/2/06
The Australian Divisions of General Practice welcomes the new graphic health warnings to be portrayed on cigarette packages and launched today by Christopher Pyne, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing..
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COAG health agenda � GPs key to prevention strategy 10/2/06
The Australian Divisions of General Practice has welcomed COAG�s commitment to renewed attention on early intervention and prevention with a focus on better management of chronic illnesses through its new initiative Australian Better Health Initiative. Kate Carnell, ADGP, CEO said �The time has come to make some real investment in the notion that prevention is better than cure. .
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Divisions of General Practice � the engine room for COAG directions 10/2/06
The Australian Divisions of General Practice has welcomed COAG�s collaboration and renewed vision for health. Kate Carnell, ADGP, CEO said �It is encouraging that COAG have given priority to prevention and early intervention, health workforce and the link between health and broader social and economic outcomes for the community. .
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General practice vital to community-based mental health solutions 10/2/06
The Australian Divisions of General Practice has welcomed COAG�s commitment to national innovation and renewed investment and cooperation in mental health and is calling for the new mental health blueprint to be underpinned by a strong primary mental health care strategy. Kate Carnell, ADGP, CEO said �Mental health is one of the most important health issues in the country presently. It is an issue that truly spans the health, social and economic agendas of governments. .
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Increase in medical school places welcomed but new models of working required 10/2/06
The Australian Divisions of General Practice welcomed the COAG announcement today that the government will provide 25% more Commonwealth places for medical students in a bid to address the national shortage of doctors. Kate Carnell, ADGP CEO said �More doctors alone however, is not the solution to the workforce crisis that Australia faces. There are already more doctors in Australia than several years ago but still the system is struggling. .
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Primary care-led change central to COAG health agenda 9/2/06
On the eve of tomorrow�s COAG meeting where governments will look at better ways of working together to improve health outcomes, the Australian Divisions of General Practice is calling for any future national health agendas to be underpinned by a strong primary health care strategy. Kate Carnell, ADGP, CEO said �The indications are that COAG will be giving particular emphasis to prevention and early intervention, mental health, workforce issues and rural and remote issues. .
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World Cancer Day 4/2/06
World Cancer Day on 4 February is a reminder to think about the 15,500 cancer deaths each year that could be prevented. These deaths are due to a range of lifestyle behaviours such as smoking, inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption, physical inactivity, harmful sun exposure and being overweight or obese due to smoking, sun exposure, poor diet, alcohol, inadequate exercise or being overweight. .
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School�s back � but many students with mental health problems are still not seeking help 3/2/06
Fourteen per cent of Australian children and adolescents experience mental health problems, yet only one in four receives help. .
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Health reforms commended but more on Primary Health Care needed 20/1/06
ADGP CEO Kate Carnell welcomed the release of the Productivity Commission�s Final Report today and said �It is good that the Report acknowledges that workforce is not just about training more doctors but that the system also needs to change to incorporate new models of care.�.
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Depression does not discriminate 17/1/06
The Australian Division of General Practice admires Western Australian Premier, The Hon Dr Geoff Gallop, for his courage in disclosing that his battle with depression is the cause for the announcement of his early resignation today. One in five Australians will be diagnosed with depression at some time during their life. .
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ADGP to provide Mindbodylife clinics to 26 Divisions to support lifestyle changes in mentally ill 16/1/06
The Australian Divisions of General Practice will roll out Mindbodylife Wellness clinics to 26 Divisions of General Practice during 2006. Mindbodylife Wellness clinics, an initiative of Eli Lilly Australia, provide a structured management program for people whose mental illness and medication are having an impact on their overall wellbeing. .
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GPs supporting mental health in secondary schools 11/1/06
One initiative, MindMatters Plus GP is having a positive impact on secondary school students. Under this initiative, which is an extension of the MindMatters mental health promotion program for schools, GPs in a number of divisions have provided classroom education sessions to over 5,158 secondary school students about a range of mental health issues commonly occurring in adolescents, how to obtain a Medicare Card and how a GP can help with emotional or mental health problems. .
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Health check-ups for all Australians needed 9/1/06
Want to make sure your new years resolution for a healthier lifestyle makes it out of the starting blocks and finishes the race this year? Talking with your GP about healthy lifestyles can help you transform those new years� resolutions into actions for the rest of the year. .
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Investment in GP Commitment to Mental Health Care Needed 5/1/06
As the Council of Australian Governments gears up to look at Australia�s mental health system at its February meeting, the Australian Divisions of General Practice (ADGP) is calling for stronger investment in the Better Outcomes in Mental Health Care Initiative. .
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GPs and the Divisions Network must play a major role in building a strong mental health service system 4/1/06
The Australian Divisions of General Practice welcomes moves by the Australian Government to reform and improve mental healthcare services across the country. Mental health has become an important government and community priority..
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Put your new years resolution into action 22/12/05
Starting out the New Year with the best intentions to eat well, loose weight, exercise more and cut back on alcohol is the way many Australians begin each New Year. How successful we are throughout the year is often a different picture. Talking with your GP about healthy lifestyles can help you transform those new years� resolutions into actions for the rest of the year. .
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FLU PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESS � A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT 21/12/05
GPs, general practice and Divisions of General Practice are a vital part of the flu pandemic preparedness framework and as such, ADGP welcomes recent announcements and activities by the Australian Government to boost its flu pandemic preparedness strategy. .
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National Youth Mental Health Foundation Initiative 12/12/05
The Australian Divisions of General Practice is a member of the consortium selected by the Australian Government to establish the National Youth Mental Health Foundation. .
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Promoting community health and wellbeing through primary health care teams 14/11/05
ADGP Chair Dr Jenny Thomson, said today that the 2006-07 Federal Budget is time for some fundamental shifts in direction in health policy. .
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World Diabetes Day 14/11/05
Amongst the messages at this time of year urging us to 'tone up for summer', World Diabetes day provides a timely reminder to think about how lifestyles can affect health. .
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AMWAC Report � Disappointing � the solution is not about numbers 11/11/05
This is a disappointing report. The recommendations state the obvious with broad facts that are well known. The report falls short on its terms of reference, particularly the provision of advice to AMWAC about best practice models of care. .
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A National Divisions Network approach to E-health reform 9/11/05
ADGP today welcomed the announcement a number of initiatives designed to mobilise general practice as a platform to meet the challenges of the dynamic national e-health agenda. .
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Launch of ADGP's Primary Health Care Position Statement 5/11/05
Dr Rob Walters, ADGP Chair today launched the Australian Divisions of General Practice�s vision for Australia�s primary health care system..
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And the winner is �. The Illawarra Division of General Practice! 20/10/05
The Illawarra Division of General Practice based in Wollongong, New South Wales last night was recognised nationally for their creative partnership approach to health care in the Illawarra region..
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GPs - A Vital Part of the Solution to Quality Mental Health Care 19/10/05
ADGP has today welcomed many of the recommendations contained in Not For Service, a report of consultations by the Mental Health Council of Australia and the Brain and Mind Research Institute in association with the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission..
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ADGP welcomes moves by the Government to make Medicare claiming easier 18/10/05
ADGP welcomes the announcement that the government wants to make it more convenient for GPs and patients to utilise electronic payment technology. .
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GPs caring for Carers 18/10/05
"Ordinary Australians in extraordinary circumstances" is the theme for 2005 National Carers Week that runs from October 16-22. ADGP Chair Dr Rob Walters today paid tribute to the 2.6 million Australians who provide unpaid and often substantial support and care to people who are ill, frail aged or disabled..
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GPs supporting the mental health of Australia's young people 13/10/05
The Australian Divisions of General Practice (ADGP) today launched the MindMatters Plus GP resource kit and website, that will assist GPs and primary care teams better support the mental health of young people..
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Not a numbers game: ADGP Response to Productivity Commission Position Paper - Australia�s Health Workforce 29/9/05
ADGP has welcomed many of the key proposals in the Productivity Commission Position Paper - Australia's Health Workforce..
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A Script for Life! 27/9/05
Patients are now receiving a new style of prescription from their GP. Today Tony Abbott, Minister for Health and Ageing launched Lifescripts, a resource kit that provides GPs with tools to help people achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle..
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New Divisions for Western Sydney 15/9/05
A report released today entitled "Structural Review of Divisions of General Practice in Western Sydney" has recommended the establishment of a new Division in Western Sydney auspiced by local regional training provider, WentWest, and the expansion of the current Hawkesbury Division to become the new Hawkesbury Hills Division. .
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Not a numbers game: new solutions to health workforce crisis needed 10/8/05
Fixing the serious challenges facing the health system is more than just a numbers game and higher rebates. It is time for a serious investment in primary health care policy and systems reform..
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Divisions Network addressing aged care home survey findings 1/8/05
The Aged Care GP Panels Initiative - 2004 Aged Care Home Survey, which was released today by the Federal Department of Health and Ageing, highlights a range of challenges that are confronting the aged care sector in relation to primary medical care..
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Overseas-trained doctors: we need them and they deserve our support 29/7/05
ADGP has commended the Federal Government for increasing the numbers of skilled migrants coming to Australia..
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Investment in primary health-care research will bring dividends 28/7/05
ADGP says the Australian Government's commitment of funding for primary health-care research, announced on 26 July, will result in health dividends in the future..
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Address from AMA President offers no solutions 20/7/05
The National Press Club speech by AMA President Dr Mukesh Haikerwal identified many of the well-recognised problems within the current health system, but provided little in the way of solutions, Australian Divisions of General Practice Chair Dr Rob Walters said today (20 July 2005). .
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Lateral solutions needed to address medical workforce shortages 19/7/05
Australian Divisions of General Practice (ADGP) Chair Dr Rob Walters says research published in the Medical Journal of Australia warning of a major medical workforce shortage in the next 20 years points to the need for lateral solutions to chronic and systematic problems within the health care sector..
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Health bodies united in support for new Medicare initiative 5/7/05
Three leading primary health care organisations ? the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO), Australian Divisions of General Practice (ADGP) and Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) ? have all welcomed the new Medicare-funded annual health checks for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children announced by Health Minister Tony Abbott last week.
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Call for investment in GP-led mental health initiatives 4/7/05
ADGP called for accelerated action on mental health today when it presented its submission to the Senate Select Committee on Mental Health..
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Fighting drug and alcohol misuse: Call for more GP support 24/6/05
ADGP says it supports the Commonwealth Government's multi-dimensional approach to fighting drug and alcohol misuse, but has called for more initiatives to assist GPs in identifying and treating at-risk patients..
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Medication misadventure: tackling the problem 24/6/05
ADGP Chair Dr Rob Walter said today that Pharmacy Week was an ideal time to draw attention to the huge costs of medication mishaps and the importance of promoting the safe and effective use of medicines..
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Advertisers' health campaign a step in the right direction 10/6/05
Australian Divisions of General Practice (ADGP) has commended the Australian Association of National Advertisers for its Healthy Lifestyle Awareness Campaign, which was launched in Sydney yesterday. .
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New MBS items to help GPs manage chronic disease 9/6/05
The Australian Divisions of General Practice (ADGP) welcomes new Medicare Benefits Schedule items for chronic disease management (CDM) announced today by the Health Minister Tony Abbott.
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Rural Divisions put the spotlight on palliative care 23/5/05
The Australian Divisions of General Practice (ADGP) and several rural Divisions will this week join with other health-care organisations in raising awareness about palliative care for National Palliative Care Week 2005 (May 22-28)..
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Divisions network welcomes budget thrust 11/5/05
Australian Divisions of General Practice has welcomed several key health-care initiatives announced in the federal budget..
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Call for expanded general practice nurse role 5/5/05
The Australian Divisions of General Practice is calling for additional Government-driven incentives to promote and expand the role of general practice nurses..
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Information management direction guided by GP needs 3/5/05
ADGP Chair Rob Walters has dismissed outright claims that the body was "competing for scarce money resources" in its position on the continued funding of the General Practice Computing Group. .
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Network collaboration ensures GPs won't miss out 27/4/05
The Western Sydney Division of General Practice ceased trading on Thursday, 21 April 2005, but GPs will not lose the support and services they count on thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Divisions network..
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Call for early intervention in Aboriginal child and adolescent mental health 20/4/05
The Australian Divisions of General Practice (ADGP) and the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) today welcomed the results of a landmark report on the social and emotional well-being of Aboriginal children..
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GP Divisions lend a hand to Western Sydney 15/4/05
With news that the Western Sydney Division of General Practice will cease trading shortly, surrounding GP Divisions, the Australian Divisions of General Practice (ADGP) and the Alliance of New South Wales Divisions (ANSWD) have pulled together to lend a hand..
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Smoking down, drinking up: Alcohol trends worry GPs 12/4/05
The Australian Divisions of General Practice (ADGP) welcomes the latest results from the National Drug Strategy Household Survey. .
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Role of primary health care highlighted at international ageing conference 22/3/05
Two sessions at the 2nd International Conference on Healthy Ageing and Longevity in Brisbane will focus on the need to improve the health and wellbeing of older Australians through primary health care teams..
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GPs worried about dementia epidemic 15/3/05
The ADGP has warned that GPs will bear the brunt of an imminent dementia epidemic. ADGP Chair Dr Rob Walters said today that the government's recognition of dementia as a national health priority in 2004 was important, and welcomed the investment of $200m over the next four years to dementia. .
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Nurses to Deliver Regional Pap Tests 20/1/05
Nurses in rural and regional GPs practices will now be able to do pap tests as a result of a new Medicare item number introduced this month..
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