The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) has welcomed the announcement that Top End Medical Centre will establish an ongoing general practice service in Nhulunbuy, helping improve access to essential healthcare for communities across the East Arnhem region.
The new service, supported by Australian Government funding and coordinated through the Northern Territory Primary Health Network (NT PHN), will commence from 12 October and deliver comprehensive GP care in Nhulunbuy. Services are expected to include preventive healthcare, chronic disease management, mental health care, women's, men's and children's health services, immunisations and telehealth.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said improving access to high-quality general practice care is vital for regional and remote communities.
"This is a welcome announcement for the Nhulunbuy community and the wider East Arnhem region," he said.
"Every Australian deserves access to ongoing, high-quality general practice care close to home. Having a sustainable GP service is vital for improving health outcomes, reducing pressure on hospitals and ensuring patients can access preventive care and treatment when they need it."
Dr Wright said continuity of care delivered by specialist GPs and their teams Is critical in keeping communities healthy, particularly in remote and regional Australia.
"General practice is the cornerstone of Australia's healthcare system. GPs provide comprehensive care throughout a patient's life, from preventive healthcare and immunisation through to chronic disease management, mental health support and complex care coordination."
RACGP Northern Territory Chair, Dr Sam Heard also praised the partnership.
"We welcome the investment and commitment from Top End Medical Centre, NT PHN, NT Health and the Australian Government to establish a long-term service model that meets the healthcare needs of the community," Dr Heard said.
"GP practices in remote and regional settings face increased costs as well as challenges accessing the workforce they require to remain sustainable. The Medicare bulk billing model simply doesn't stack up in many of the Territories remote and regional centres. An investment like this that de-risks transitions of ownership and underpins Medicare payments is a practical solution."
The new clinic will operate from the Nhulunbuy Community Health Centre and will be co-located with NT Health community services to support an integrated approach to healthcare delivery. The Australian Government has committed $1.37 million towards establishing the service and improving access to primary healthcare in the region.
Dr Heard said attracting and retaining GPs in rural and remote Australia must remain a priority.
"This announcement is a positive step forward, but it also highlights the importance of continued investment in the rural GP workforce," he said.
"The RACGP will continue advocating for policies that support training, recruitment and retention of GPs in regional, rural and remote communities so patients everywhere can access the care they need.
"The RACGP looks forward to seeing the new service established and supporting improved healthcare access for the people of Nhulunbuy and surrounding communities."
~
