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GPs’ role widened following gynaecologist allegations
GPs can expect questions from patients following the launch of a new support package, amid allegations against Dr Simon Gordon.
The Federal Government’s $7.45 million package includes funding Victorian Primary Health Networks to establish Care Navigators.
A new Care Navigators initiative has been established following serious allegations against former Victorian gynaecologist, Dr Simon Gordon.
The RACGP has worked closely with government on the $7.45 million support package, which includes funding Victorian Primary Health Networks to establish Care Navigators.
Announced on Thursday, it will deliver individualised care coordination, acting as a central point of contact to help women navigate follow-up care and specialist reviews through a network of GPs.
Dr Gordon is currently the subject of multiple investigations following concerns raised by women about the care they received - he has denied the accusations.
In response, the Victorian and Federal governments are working together to provide targeted supports for affected patients to access appropriate care and services.
This includes ‘strengthening the general practice and gynaecology workforces’, through the RACGP and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG).
This includes updating endometriosis guidelines and supporting the RACGP to provide education and training for health professionals.
Federal Health and Ageing Minister Mark Butler said the packages aim to give impacted women tailored assistance to navigate the health system.
‘Since these allegations came to light, I have met with some of the impacted women and we have heard their calls for help to access care and support,’ he said.
‘The Commonwealth is also working on strengthening general practice and gynaecology workforces to ensure the highest standards of care.’
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said that with the support packages’ launch, GPs can expect more questions from their patients.
‘It’s important that women who have been affected by these allegations are able to access the care they need, and we have been working with the Department to make sure that happens,’ he told newsGP.
‘We are also committed to working with RANZCOG to make sure that best practice endometriosis care is available and that updated evidence and care guidelines are easily accessible.
‘GPs can expect that with increased awareness, women may come seeking more information, both for the care of endometriosis and also for impacts related to the actions from this doctor.’
The Victorian Government is also investing $2 million to deliver complementary additional tertiary specialist endometriosis support services to the women at five health services.
The Women’s Health Clinics at Barwon Health, Monash Health, Eastern Health, Western Health and the Royal Women’s Hospital will offer specialist reviews with a gynaecologist.
Referrals for appointments will be accessible from mid-April via the Women’s Health Victoria endometriosis and pelvic pain surgery concerns line.
The Women’s Health Victoria concerns line can be contacted on 03 9664 9330 or patients can fill out a request for a callback via the website.
If you are in immediate distress, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, or in an emergency, call triple zero.
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