New payroll tax interpretation threatens future of after-hours care Using weekend rosters as a marker for general practice payroll tax liability will inevitably place a huge additional burden on over-stretched hospitals, GPs say.
WA Premier shifts blame for hospital woes onto GPs once again Mark McGowan has drawn the ire of RACGP leadership for ‘unacceptable’ comments that accuse GPs of contributing to the state’s health crisis.
GPs to staff 50 ‘urgent care services’ in NSW and Victoria The bulk-billing clinics will be established near existing hospitals with the aim of easing pressure on overburdened emergency departments.
‘Not the time to point fingers’: GPs push back against hospital ramping blame Queensland’s Deputy Premier has said the hospital crisis is being exacerbated due to ‘GPs declining to see people with respiratory illnesses’.
Calls for whole-of-system approach to ease ambulance ramping crisis The RACGP wants to see the country to follow the Tasmanian suggestion of using general practice to help alleviate hospital overcrowding.
Trial helps reduce ED opioid interventions for back pain While the research was based in emergency departments, its findings also provide insights into pain management in general practice.
Criticism of GPs’ refusal to treat some infant patients in-person a ‘cheap shot’ Many GPs who ask that young patients be tested for COVID-19 before treating them in-person believe they are simply following state-issued health advice.
‘Uncharacteristic’ Queensland CHO letter leaves GPs confused Dr Jeanette Young encouraged GPs to see more patients face-to-face, including those with respiratory symptoms, suggesting a lack of in-person consultations has led to a rise in ED presentations.
GPs ‘horrified’ at latest pharmacy proposal The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia has suggested ‘non-urgent’ emergency department presentations be directed to community pharmacy.
GPs in EDs reduce wait times, costs: study A study that co-located GPs in UK emergency departments resulted in a number of positive clinical outcomes, but what would happen in Australia?