Key Step Towards Better Primary Health Care

Federal Health Minister, the Hon. Nicola Roxon, has called for public submissions to respond to the new discussion paper on Australia’s first ever National Primary Health Care Strategy.

Primary health care is the frontline care in the community – provided by GPs, nurses and allied health professionals. As such, the Strategy will be a core element of the Rudd Government’s response to the health challenges of the 21st century.

The Federal Government is seeking input from all sectors of the community – such as doctors, nurses and allied health professionals, as well as working families and individuals who are consumers of health services.

The Rudd Government says primary care is in need of reform for many reasons, including:

• An ageing population
• The growing burden of chronic disease, and the need to shift the focus of the health system to prevention
• Health workforce shortages
• Growing inequalities between those with good access to primary health care and those without it

The Discussion Paper, released today, at the Australian General Practice Network’s 10th Anniversary Forum in Darwin outlines directions for reform, and proposes ten elements of a better primary care system:

• Accessible, clinically and culturally appropriate, timely and affordable care;
• Patient-centred and supportive of health literacy, self-management and individual preference;
• More focused on preventive care, including support of healthy lifestyles;
• Well-integrated, coordinated, and providing continuity of care, particularly for those with multiple, ongoing, and complex conditions.
• Safe, high quality care which is continually improving through relevant research and innovation;
• Better management of health information, underpinned by efficient and effective use of eHealth;
• Flexibility to best respond to local community needs and circumstances through sustainable and efficient operational models.
• Working environments and conditions which attract, support and retain workforce;
• High quality education and training arrangements for both new and existing workforce.
• Fiscally sustainable, efficient and cost effective systems.

The paper also argues that greater equity in access and outcomes is essential, as is greater accountability for performance and outcomes.

The primary health care strategy is being developed by the Department of Health and Ageing with assistance from an External Reference Group, chaired by Dr Tony Hobbs.

In order to develop a National Primary Health Care Strategy, the Government says community contributions are crucial. A draft of the Strategy will be presented to the Minister by mid-2009.

People and organisations with an interest in primary health care can make a submission until 27 February 2009.

The discussion paper, “Towards a National Primary Health Care Strategy”, can be downloaded from the Department’s website at: http://www.health.gov.au/primaryhealthstrategy

Submissions can be made by emailing nphcs@health.gov.au, or by writing to
National Primary Health Care Strategy
Secretariat
MDP 94 GPO BOX 9848
Canberra ACT 2601

More information on how to make submissions is available at http://www.health.gov.au/primaryhealthstrategy