Has the pandemic changed the way people utilise health services? The AIHW has released a series of reports outlining how COVID-19 changed the way Australians used health services in 2019–20.
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.
Calls to separate coronavirus patients to slash infection rates In-hospital spread of the coronavirus is a real threat, doctors in Italy have warned. How is Australia preparing?
Steady rise in long hospital stays reflects ‘struggling system’ An increase in Victorian patients staying in EDs longer than 24 hours is placing ‘concerning’ pressure on the healthcare system.
Renewed calls to overhaul hospital funding NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard says patients present at hospitals with minor conditions in part because not all GP visits are covered by Medicare.
Hospital chief has ‘surprising’ primary care stance The CEO of St Vincent’s Health Australia has said the country needs ‘fewer hospitals, not more’ if it wants to make the most of its healthcare future.
Emergency department presentations increase But millions of non-urgent and semi-urgent issues could be handled in general practice, according to the RACGP.
Referring to other medical specialists Dr Chris Bollen reflects on his research to address ongoing issues hindering the referral process, and on the importance of getting it right.
Pilot program demonstrates GPs can help to reduce hospital waitlists Using GPs with special interests offers a promising new way to tackle hospital waiting times, writes Dr Edwin Kruys.
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.