MEDIA RELEASE - Friday 4th November 2011
Better health for the communities supported by the Nepean-Blue Mountains Medicare Local
Today the Federal Government announced funding for the establishment of the Nepean Blue Mountains Medicare Local. This new health organisation will give the local communities of Penrith, Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury and Lithgow and their health professionals the opportunity to work together to create a better primary health care system.
A joint application for establishment of the Medicare Local was submitted earlier this year by the three local Divisions of General Practice in Nepean, Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury areas, with support from Lithgow GPs, Practice Nursing, Allied Health Professionals, consumers and other local organisations.
The three chairs of the Divisions, Dr Shiva Prakash, Dr Andrew Knight and Dr Mark Brunacci said they were thrilled with the news and the opportunities it will provide for the local communities.
“Primary health care generally refers to first line health care provided out of the hospital setting.” said Dr Shiva Prakash, local GP and Chairman of the Nepean Division of General Practice, the lead agency for the group.
It includes GPs, practice nurses, podiatrists, dietitians, physiotherapists, psychologists and other allied health professionals” he said.
“A strong primary health care system can help keep people well and out of hospital. To do this, the local community and the different health care professionals need to work together to identify local health issues and develop solutions” Dr Prakash said.
The new Medicare Local will cover the Nepean, Blue Mountains, Lithgow and Hawkesbury areas. It will build on the success of the current Divisions of General Practice in these areas.
Ms Sheila Holcombe, CEO of the Blue Mountains GP Network will be the transition CEO to manage the establishment of the Nepean Blue Mountains Medicare Local.
“Divisions of General Practice were set up to support GPs to improve the health of their patients. The new Medicare Local will continue to support GPs and also involve other health care professionals and organisations to achieve better health for the local community. With more flexible funding, the Medicare Local will have a greater focus on prevention and health promotion.” Ms Holcombe said.
“The Nepean Blue Mountains Medicare Local will work towards ensuring the community has the right services and that these are connected and easy to access in a timely manner.”
END
For more information or photo opportunity please contact: Ms Lizz Reay, Nepean Division of General Practice 4721 1150 or 0410 291 529
Nepean Blue Mountains Media Release for download.
NEPEAN BLUE MOUNTAINS MEDICARE LOCAL NEWSLETTER - ISSUE 2
Medicare Local Success!
On Friday 4th November, the Minister for Health and Ageing, the Hon Nicola Roxon, announced funding for the commencement of the Nepean Blue Mountains Medicare Local from the 1st January 2012... more.
Last updated: 7 December 2011
