While there is nothing new about this news it does give a remarkable impression of "the tail wagging the dog". Does anyone really believe that the Southern Highlands Division of General Practice somehow pulled off this coup without the major contribution of the other partner?
At least, finally, the local community who are supposed to "find it easier to navigate the health system" are being told about it! Well done, Dr Ruscoe.
Enhanced health services for Southern Highlands
9th November 2011
By: Southern Highland News
9th November 2011
By: Southern Highland News
The Southern Highlands Division of General Practice, in partnership with our neighbouring Division in Macarthur, has been successful in its bid to establish the new South Western Sydney Medicare Local.
This will become operational on July 1, 2012, and will eventually cover primary care services from Bankstown in the north to Wingecarribee in the south, mirroring the boundaries of our Local Health District.
It is one of thirty-eight organisations selected to become the next Medicare Locals that will drive access to better primary health care across Australia, announced by Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon on Friday.
"Importantly, Medicare Locals will maintain and build on the excellent work already done by the local Divisions of General Practice, with GPs and general practice being at the centre of a strong, integrated primary health care system," the Minister said.
The new Medicare Local will be responsible for population health planning, identifying and filling gaps in primary care services and will have greater involvement in co-ordination and integration of services at the local level.
"The Federal Government’s Medicare Local concept is designed to make it easier for patients to navigate the health system", CEO of the Southern Highlands Division of General Practice, Dr Warwick Ruscoe, said.
