$1.5 million ‘conditional’ funding for cohealth

Victoria’s cohealth clinics will receive $1.5 million in Federal Government funding in an effort to create long-term sustainability for the general practices – but exactly how that money will be spent and what future services will look like, remains publicly unknown.
 
The not-for-profit company operates GP clinics across Victoria and Tasmania supporting disadvantaged communities, but last year, several of its inner-Melbourne centres were facing closure amid significant funding concerns.
 
But the Federal Government said the fresh funding injection will allow GP services to remain open as cohealth acts on recommendations from a recent independent review into its services.
 
The review, which has not been publicly released, found cohealth’s services are highly valued, but said changes must be made to its governance, management and service delivery models.
 
These reforms are expected to include a strengthening of senior management and board governance, and a new integrated and sustainable general practice model of care.
 
The funding is ‘time-limited and conditional’ for up to 12 months and will be provided via the North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network.
 
However, no details have been provided about exactly where that money will go, with no commitment from cohealth to deliver the same services it was previously, or clarity on what a ‘more sustainable’ model looks like.

cohealth Board Chair Sam Sondhi says the funding is an important step forward.
 
‘Today’s commitment from the Commonwealth Government, and its joint agreement with the Victoria Government and cohealth means these GP services can continue beyond 31 July,’ he said.
 
‘As the review found, change is needed to help build a more sustainable future for these services.
 
‘Our focus is now on working with our communities, GPs, clinicians, and staff to help shape a multidisciplinary model of care that meets the needs of the people who rely on and value these services every day.
 
‘Over the coming months we will work closely with community, clinicians and government to help design a stronger, more sustainable future for community-based healthcare and one that remains grounded in equity, continuity of care and the needs of the communities we serve.’
 
It says this redesign will have a ‘clear focus’ on continuity of care and a stronger, more sustainable multidisciplinary model.
 
In November, cohealth received a separate $1.5 million boost to allow time for the review to take place, but this was due to run out in July.
 
Earlier this month, the Save our Community Health advocacy group ramped up its calls for the independent review and its recommendations to be released publicly.
 
‘Hundreds of us turned up to public meetings and made submissions because we want to help find a solution,’ the group said.
 
‘We need every level of government to help keep our community health centres open with the full range of wraparound services for us and for future generations.
 
‘And we demand better management of our community health services because what the cohealth board and management have been doing isn’t working.’
 
Maribyrnong Labor MP Jo Briskey said the second round of funding is aimed at keeping critical GP services open for local patients and families.

‘Our community has been loud and clear about how important these services are, and I’ve worked closely with colleagues across governments to ensure they continue,’ she said.
 
‘I welcome this investment as it gives cohealth the opportunity, and the responsibility, to rebuild confidence and deliver the changes required.

‘Our residents deserve real progress on strengthening cohealth’s governance and service model to ensure these services are sustainable into the future.’
 
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cohealth Federal Government funding practice closures