GENERAL PRACTICES STRENGTHENED ACROSS MACQUARIE.

44 General practices across Macquarie have received a share of almost $1.2 million dollars as part of the Albanese Labor government’s Strengthening Medicare – General Practice (GP) Grants Program.

The 44 eligible practices in the Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury have received funding of between $25,000 and $50,000 to expand patient access and improve their services. Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman said the grants delivered on the Government’s election commitment to invest in and strengthen Medicare.

“The Government understands just how vital local GPs and practices are to our health system, so we went to the election committed to strengthening Medicare and that’s what this investment in local practices will do.

“Our local GPs are often the very first point of call. They can identify and treat long term chronic health conditions as well as provide care for acute illness and injury – they’re just an invaluable part of our health care system.

“We’ve seen throughout the pandemic, the tireless work of GPS and their practice staff to keep our community safe and healthy. I have no doubt there was a lot of strain on these practices as they kept operating under difficult circumstances.

“We want to acknowledge their important work and give them the resources they need to continue providing high quality and affordable health care.”

Ms Templeman says the funding from the Strengthening Medicare – General Practice Grants Program can be used for innovation, training, equipment, and minor capital works.

“These grants are designed to expand patient access and improve general practices services and I look forward to seeing how each practice uses their grant funding to strengthen our local health services.”