Primary Care Conference highlights
Back in September, I attended the national Primary Care Conference (2-4 September 2024), where the key strategies of prevention and early intervention, health equity, leveraging health technology and health system integration were discussed.
I’m pleased that on the North Coast, we are taking steps towards system integration and joint governance with our LHD partners. The ‘one health system’ mindset will be critical for driving better health outcomes for our communities.
There were also presentations on emergency management and how this might be better coordinated moving forward. This is especially pertinent to us on the North Coast, having seen the devastating effects of climate-related disasters more than most. Indeed, our CEO, Monika Wheeler, presented on this topic as one of only four PHNs who were invited to speak at the conference.
I also met with the Special Commission of Inquiry into Healthcare Funding, supporting Healthy North Coast’s submission and recommendations, and as a separate RACGP representative.
Australia is now localising and linking to the International Patient Summary system, utilised in over 20 countries, including our neighbours New Zealand, Indonesia and Malaysia. This allows the patient summary to update local medical software across international, state, intra-hospital, primary care and allied health.
Additionally, as of 1 September 2024, payroll tax exemptions are available for practices bulk billing over 70% of Medicare items.
Pharmacists’ prescribing rights have also been expanded in NSW to treat conditions such as ear infections, nausea, and acne.
Upcoming healthcare sector reviews
Looking forward, Australia’s upcoming reforms, including the Scope of Practice Review and Medicare Funding Reforms, reflect a critical phase for our healthcare sector, particularly in managing chronic disease and our workforce challenges.
Recent international healthcare funding reports from the Commonwealth Fund and the UK Darzi inquiry into the NHS show that, despite criticisms, Australia performs well in terms of value for money, equity, and overall health outcomes compared to other high-income countries like the UK, New Zealand, and the US. However, access to public specialists and elective procedures, as well as preventive care, remain as areas needing improvement, particularly in rural and gender equity measures.
Join us!
I’m thrilled that Dr Walid Jammal, recipient of the 2024 Sidney Sax Medal, will join us for our upcoming Primary Health Care Reform Engagement Forums at the end of November. We’ll be discussing national health reform and impacts for healthcare professionals locally. I hope you can join us at either Coffs Harbour or Port Macquarie.
Thank you for your continued work in bringing better health to our North Coast communities,
Dr Adrian Gilliland.
