The Australian General Practice Network (AGPN) has stated that the process for application was both “thorough and exhaustive”, whilst at the same time calling on the Federal Government to commence as many Medicare Locals as possible in the first round (see http://www.ergpa.com.au/news/development-of-medicare-locals-on-track-just-waiting-for-the-tick/).
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) is continuing to call for further consultation with the medical profession, and push for deferred establishment, with expanded timelines (see position statement @ http://ama.com.au/node/6500).
The Victorian Healthcare Association (VHA) (see http://www.vha.org.au/positionstatements2010.html) and Statewide Primary Care Partnerships have continue to exercise caution in their approach.
Meanwhile, consumer groups and allied health professionals are starting to knock on the doors and ask some valid questions about their role and position in this change.
As somewhat of a pragmatist I tend to believe this is all an important part of people working out where they stand in relation to the changes afoot, and what the likely impact will be on their patients, their business or service and the overall landscape of health care in Australia. None of which is a bad thing, it all challenges all of us in how we plan for, deliver and receive services, which is ultimately the point of system reform in the first place.
What I think is the real issue right now is how we keep our health care services focussed on the outcomes, rather than the process of change. It’s very easy to be distracted by the minutia of the funding cycles and the many, many reporting requirements, the boundary cut offs, and who gets what from which level of government. It’s easy to forget that ultimately we are there to assist people in need of care and good health. Our job is about finding the best way to do that, in this case under a Medicare Local banner, but still with the same concern for how our communities get the best from their health care system.
So at the end of the day, does it matter what they’re called, or how many start in July and how many start 6 months later? What do you think?
Comments (1)
Great blog Kristin,
Not taking away from the importance of being informed and asking questions, as health professionals and consumer groups have every right to seek understanding and further have a voice but I think it’s really important that in light of “reform uncertainty” people are reminded that regardless of what is happening, what could happen or even what should happen, that our focus remains with the patient and our ability to assist them with the best possible health outcome.
Bel
18 April 2011