As RACGP AOD spokesperson Hester Wilson told Holly Payne greater investment in treatment, including pharmacotherapy, is welcome. But not proceeding with a second injecting centre just as evidence emerges of new synthetic opioids is the wrong call. medicalrepublic.com.au/vic-cans-new-i…

The decision not to go ahead with a second medically supervised injecting facility in Melbourne is disappointing, and a huge missed opportunity. Services like this save lives at risk. A CBD site would have reduced drug-related harm and connected people with support services. #AOD

As expert RACGP spokespeople Andrew Leech, Mark Morgan and Adele Stewart told the ABC - GPs should be able to prescribe migraine meds so that patients don't have to go through the lengthy and costly process of seeing a neurologist. It just makes sense.
abc.net.au/news/2024-04-2…

Today, the RACGP is speaking out on the cost of care. Our submission to the Cost of Living inquiry warns that more must be done to reduce medical costs for patients in the next Budget. Otherwise, some patients will miss out, and our whole health system will suffer. #Budget2024

The RACGP has doubled down on calls for states to scrap the crippling payroll tax, as Mark Butler MP pleads with local leaders to ‘listen closely’ to GPs. bit.ly/3Qbigq9

Getting ready to chat to ABC Canberra about the dreaded Patient Tax. Unless action is taken on the payroll tax hit, the federal Government’s investment in boosting bulk-billing figures will be for nothing. Patients across Australia will miss out on vital care. #PatientTax

As Melissa Davey reports in Guardian Australia many people taking up vaping may not realise how hard it will be to quit. Why not book a consult with your GP to discuss how to quit nicotine products for good. We're here to help. #Vaping
theguardian.com/society/2024/a…

What a great day! 20 doctors trained across North Queensland officially became GPs in a fellowship ceremony in my home of Mackay. These new GPs are ready to support their communities to thrive, so it’s important our governments support them too. #GP
cairnspost.com.au/news/queenslan…

A must read. As I told Jake T Evans the Patient Tax is undermining federal investment in boosting bulk-billing rates. Unless action is taken on the payroll tax hit in all states and territories, practices will be forced to hike fees or close. #PatientTax
abc.net.au/news/2024-04-2…

Today, the RACGP is urging the Govt to help GPs and patients take full advantage of the Hospital in the Home program. Inconsistent guidance, billing confusion and communication issues are a headache for GPs and patients. These issues are holding us back. We need change. #HIIH

.RACGP has penned a letter to Mark Butler MP calling for sweeping changes to the Hospital in the Home program, including billing and communication reforms. bit.ly/3JodBxm

The Scope of Practice review must support the vital role of GPs at the heart of primary care rather than copying UK health system failures. We want a firm commitment to no capitation. Let's also cut red tape so GPs can prescribe/dispense more meds + provide more services. #Scope

‘Not being able to see your GP for six weeks is, in some ways, just as bad as not having a GP,’ RACGP Expert Committee member and AMA (NSW) President Dr Michael Bonning says, in response to new UK research showing the importance of continuity of care. bit.ly/3TYeQrJ

A must read. As I told Natassia Chrysanthos the Scope of Practice review must support the vital role of general practice. We shouldn't trade off quality and safety for convenience. GPs and practice teams keep Australians, and our health system, healthy. #GP
smh.com.au/politics/feder…

As Aisha Dow and Henrietta Cook report - there are many people like Trevor fighting a hidden battle with alcohol and other drugs. Remember, help is at hand from your GP. More must be done to address alcohol-related harm across Australia. #AOD
theage.com.au/healthcare/tre…

New ourANU research found work-life balance, connection, and a supportive workplace are key to attracting and retaining rural GPs. bit.ly/3W1aXVT

What a heartwarming life story. As Aisha Dow reports RACGP fellowed GP Dr John Wiseman first graduated as a doctor more than 70 years ago. He says to his own patients: 'If you stop enjoying what you’re doing, quit it for God’s sake and do something else'.
brisbanetimes.com.au/national/at-96…

As Michael Usher writes in The Nightly, we’re losing GPs because we can’t run a practice, employ staff, cover insurance and other costs off woeful Medicare rebates and the hint of prestige.

GPs are the core of preventive health and need support.

thenightly.com.au/opinion/michae…