An $11.7 million NSW Government investment in improving access to assessments and care for ADHD has been warmly welcomed by the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP), which called it a win for health equity.
Announced today, the $11.7 million package includes:
- $2.7 million to support GPs to complete endorsed prescriber training, allowing them to initiate patients on medications for ADHD
- $5.7 million to fund specialist paediatric and psychiatry services to provide clinical support for GPs
- $1.8 million to encourage ongoing uptake of the reforms, and give GPs access to allied health assessments and support to aid in diagnosis
- $1.5 million to provide up to $600 for up to 2500 patients to help cover the cost of support activities such as clinic administration, pre-assessment tools or input from other clinicians such as dietitians or psychologists.
RACGP NSW&ACT Chair Dr Rebekah Hoffman called on GPs in areas of need to take up the training.
"This is a landmark investment in ADHD care that will significantly expand access for patients across New South Wales," she said.
"By investing in specialist GPs to provide ADHD assessments and diagnoses, particularly in Western Sydney, South Western Sydney and other high-need communities, more patients will be able to access high-quality, timely care closer to home.
"Statistics on medication use show a patient's postcode is still the biggest determining factor when it comes to accessing medication for ADHD. Patients in the most disadvantaged areas receive prescriptions for ADHD at around half the rate of patients in the most advantaged areas.
"This is an exciting opportunity for GPs to help meet growing community need, and I strongly encourage eligible GPs to apply."
The NSW Government said the $1.5 million investment aims to allow specialist GPs who are trained as endorsed prescribers to provide ADHD assessments and follow up appointments at no cost to patients.
Dr Hoffman said the funding to improve access for patients will make a welcome boost to health equity.
"Medicare funding often doesn't match the cost of the longer consultations which patients need for more complex care like ADHD assessments, and patients are typically left to cover the gap," she said.
"This investment from the NSW Government will help to reduce or eliminate that gap for many patients, which is a win for health equity.
"We're excited to work alongside the Minister and NSW Health to implement this initiative and ensure it delivers the best possible outcomes for GPs, their patients and communities across the state."
