Australians with an intellectual disability will soon receive greater support, thanks to a Morrison Government $6.5 million investment in the Primary Care Enhancement Program.
The funding (GST exclusive) will be provided over four financial years (2020-21 to 2023-24) under the Primary Health Networks (PHN) Program, for development of the Primary Care Enhancement Program (PCEP).
The Enhancement Program will be developed through four lead Primary Health Networks, with a view to a national rollout across all PHNs.
The Program will increase the skills and ability of GPs and other health professionals to provide effective health care for people with intellectual disability.
The funding will include:
- Essential support for PHNs to build their capacity to support health professionals in caring for people with intellectual disability.
- Provide practical material for GPs and other primary health care professionals to enhance their capability in this area.
- Develop and disseminate health promotion information for people with intellectual disability and their families.
The Government will continue to collaborate with the Council for Intellectual Disability (CID) - a key partner in this work program - as the initiative is rolled out.
The Primary Care Enhancement Program was established following a roundtable convened in August 2019, which addressed the inequities in health system access and quality for people living with an intellectual disability.
The roundtable committed to building a national roadmap with short, medium and long-term priorities.
As well as identifying practical ways to improve health care for this group, the national roadmap will increase recognition that people living with intellectual disability have the right to the same quality and access to health services as every other Australian.
The next roundtable will be convened in Sydney on 7 April 2020. Key actions to progress will include:
- Establishing better models of care for people with intellectual disability.
- Improving support for health professionals providing care for people with intellectual disability.
- Better research and data.
The roadmap will also better integrate primary care with specialist and hospital care and the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
In addition to key stakeholders who contributed to the first roundtable, invitations have been extended to jurisdictions to further develop the roadmap.
Find more information about the Roadmap.
The Morrison Government's strong economic management ensures the continued record investment of funding into vital health initiatives including life-saving medicines, Medicare, mental health and hospitals.
