ACROSS the Mallee, there are different issues and priorities, but health care unites us all. And the GP shortage is a problem everywhere.
Technically speaking, GP access is the responsibility of the Federal Government. But to their credit, the State Government and community sector have stepped up to the plate.
The highly successful Advancing Paramedic Roles Implementation Project (APRIP) pilot concluded in June, but it received rave reviews on the Mallee Track and we are fighting to have it reinstated in Ouyen and expanded to Robinvale.
Another example is the Community Paramedicine Pilot Program (CPPP) initiated and led by Sunraysia Community Health Service and La Trobe University Mildura.
It was launched this week at the Red Cliffs Community Resource Centre, and will be open every Monday between 10am and noon, providing a GP-style drop-in clinic for general consultations and primary health screenings.
What the APRIP and CPPP have in common is that they have tapped into the underutilised potential of our highly skilled paramedic workforce.
In Australia, there are 6500 trained paramedics who are not working in the sector. They could easily be enticed back with new opportunities, and that’s exactly what the CPPP provides.
As everyone knows, traditional paramedicine is highly demanding. But the CPPP gives paramedics an additional, family-friendly employment option if they need it.
Rather than leaving the field altogether, paramedics such as those with young families, can keep their skills up, supplement our GP workforce, provide a valuable service to the community, and enjoy a better work-life balance in the community sector.
The CPPP clinic is based on a Canadian model with Sunraysia Community Health Service and La Trobe University Mildura showing exceptional leadership in bringing it to our region.
Red Cliffs should be quite chuffed that it is first international demonstration site.
Fingers crossed that more clinics will be rolled out soon.
We have a long way to go in fixing the GP crisis but, thanks to programs like APRIP and the CPPP, hope is alive.
