EDs continue to be clogged with non-urgent presentations One-third of presentations classified as lower urgency could be managed by a GP – and the trend is persisting – a new report confirms.
New trial of GP-delivered urgent care set to launch in WA Western Australian patients thinking about going to emergency will next week have a new option – a GP.
Questions emerge regarding new SA bid to ease ED strain Ambulances have begun taking some patients to GP-led priority care centres in an effort to relieve Adelaide’s strained hospital network.
Why do patients go to emergency rather than to their GP? Experts say the reasons for the phenomenon are complex – but underfunding of general practice is a key issue.
New campaign to divert less urgent medical cases to GPs An ongoing overcrowding crisis has prompted the SA Government take action in steering cases away from hospital emergency departments.
Advocates applaud court decision on Medevac bill remote assessments The Coalition Government is unhappy with the court’s decision – but refugee health advocates argue the finding is sensible and humane.
GPs call for redirection of $28 million for urgent care centres Funding for four new urgent care centres in Western Australia is under the spotlight over concerns around fairness and fragmentation of care.
Momentum behind refugee bill as GPs give their support The Urgent Medical Transfer Bill is aimed at giving doctors more power to transfer asylum seekers from offshore detention to Australia on medical grounds.
Frustration as refugee bill stagnates in parliament Advocates have expressed disappointment that the bill to get sick refugees off Nauru and Manus Island failed to pass the Senate.