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GP shortage highlights work to be done in regional Victoria
AMA Victoria President Dr Mark Yates said the shortage of doctors in outer metropolitan and regional areas highlighted the urgency for more government support.The figures from the Primary Health Care Research and Information Service show that the population to GP ratio in a number of regional and outer metropolitan areas is more than double that of Melbourne.
“We are in the grip of a doctor shortage, but there are proactive measures the State Government can put in place to help retain the current workforce and attract new doctors to regional Victoria.
“The May state budget offers a good opportunity for the State Government to put measures in place.”
Dr Yates said locum relief support and assistance for helping doctors’ spouses seeking suitable employment and schooling for children, were areas the State Government should address in the budget.
In addition, Dr Yates said funds should be provided to support doctors employing general practice nurses to help relieve workload and to local governments to establish practice infrastructure, to help attract doctors to regional areas of need.
“Just like setting up any small business, setting up a medical practice in an unfamiliar regional area is a big step, but if facilities were already established it may make the decision much easier.
“Support for the doctor’s family is also crucial in making the move successful.”
Dr Yates said while the number of new doctors graduating was set to increase in coming years, it would be several more years before those doctors were fully trained and working in general practice.
Dr Yates said with many doctors heading towards retirement age in country Victoria, incentives to encourage these doctors to remain in practice were also vital.
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