NT GPs Receive Specialised Training for Veteran Health Care

NT Government

The Territory Labor Government is focused on supporting our veterans.

There are over 10,000 current and ex-serving veterans living in the Territory, which along with their families represent a significant percentage of our population and an even greater contribution to our economy and community.

As part of the Northern Territory Defence Veterans Strategy, the NT Government has announced Operation Thrive.

Operation Thrive is a multifaceted action plan focused on enhancing support for veterans and their families.

This action plan focuses on employment and education opportunities, health and wellbeing initiatives and respect and recognition for veterans and their families.

The first activity of this plan sees doctors and General Practitioners (GPs) in the Northern Territory having access to new training, that specialises in veteran health and wellbeing.

Other initiatives as part of Operation Thrive include a Check Your Mates peer led suicide prevention campaign, and a Cor Infinitus Memorial which will be rolled out over the coming months.

The face to face GP program, which is a collaboration between the Northern Territory Primary Health Network (NT PHN) and key partners, and supported by the Territory Government, will be delivered by Dr Kerry Summerscales.

Dr Summerscales is a veteran and General Practitioner who recently transitioned out of the Defence Force, and is skilled in defence and veteran health conditions.

32 GPs from across the Territory have signed up to take part in this course which will provide them with the knowledge and skills necessary, to address the unique healthcare needs of veterans, including physical and mental health.

The health and wellbeing of our veterans and their families is a priority for the Northern Territory Government.

The launch of Operation Thrive follows the release of the first NT Defence Veterans Strategy, which seeks to make the Territory an attractive and supportive environment for veterans and their families to live and work.

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