The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) has congratulated the Crisafulli Government on its historic election win and is ready to collaborate with the government to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for Queenslanders.
On Saturday, the LNP secured government for the third time in 35 years.
The LNP has committed to delivering real-time health data for the state’s hospitals within 100 days of coming to government to increase accountability and transparency across the health system.
RACGP Queensland Chair Dr Cath Hester commended the new government for its commitment to a more affordable and transparent health system and urged it to recognise the vital role GPs play in alleviating pressure on hospitals, and the overall health system.
“The LNP’s commitment to delivering real-time health data for the state’s hospitals is an important first step to improve information sharing across acute and primary care providers,” she said.
“We also look forward to working with the government to remove the ‘patient tax’, which the RACGP long advocated for. Every Queenslander deserves affordable access to a GP, and it should be a top priority for the new government.
“More than 83% of Queenslanders visit their GP each year for more than 33 million consultations, making GPs the most accessed health profession in our state.
“We want to help the government empower general practice to reduce the strain on our emergency departments, make healthcare more affordable, and keep more Queenslanders out of hospital in the long term. Reducing the number of preventable hospitalisations could save taxpayers more than $1 billion.”
The RACGP’s election platform also urged both parties to prioritise patient safety in health policies.
The LNP stated that ensuring patient safety is a priority and any advancements in a new model of care will be supported by necessary clinical governance arrangements after consultation with organisations like the RACGP.
Dr Hester said: “Quality and safety for patients must be the priority in all health policies, and we will work with the Crisafulli Government to ensure the necessary protections are implemented.
“We also urge the LNP government to continue measures to grow the GP workforce, including providing incentives for GPs in training. We know incentives work – this funding resulted in an immediate boost in GPs in training in Victoria.
“While fast-tracking trainee clinicians into paid work is commendable, we’re seeing fewer students choosing medicine as a career, and even fewer opting for general practice. Incentives are key to remove the main barrier for GPs in training, which is the pay cut they take when leaving hospital and going into private practice.
The RACGP also called for reforms to improve access to care and reduce costs for Queenslanders needing treatment for ADHD, acne, and whooping cough.
“While the LNP has not yet committed to this, we believe it’s an opportunity for the new government to make a real difference for Queenslanders in need, battling long wait times, and high specialist costs in a cost-of-living crisis.
“I look forward to working with the Crisafulli Government to ensure all Queenslanders have affordable access to essential healthcare when, and where they need it.”
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