More GP appointments will be available for Ulverstone residents following funding from the Tasmanian Government to boost GP access across the State.
The Patrick Street Clinic in Ulverstone is receiving $425,000 through the Tasmanian Government's GP Sustainability and Viability Initiative, which will enable them to build three new consulting rooms - delivering up to an additional 250 GP appointments each week for the local community.
A key commitment from the 2024 State Election, the GP Sustainability and Viability Initiative invited practices in rural and regional Tasmania to apply for funding for projects that delivered more GP appointments to their community.
Visiting the Patrick Street Clinic today, Minister for Health, Jacquie Petrusma, said the initiative would help more residents of the central North West Coast to access the care they need.
"This is a fantastic example of how our Government is supporting more access to primary care for Tasmanians living in rural and regional areas," Minister Petrusma said.
"We know that more and more Tasmanians are struggling to access affordable primary healthcare, and funding like this is making a real positive difference for Tasmanians seeking healthcare.
"The Patrick Street Clinic is one of six General Practices across the State that will receive a share of almost $2 million funding this year, through our General Practice Sustainability and Viability Initiative.
"The Clinic will use the funding to build new consulting rooms, expand its services, and enhance staff training so they can provide more appointments to the local community.
"By boosting the practice's physical footprint, the team at the Patrick Street Clinic will also grow its ability to host medical students, registrars, new doctors, and allied health professionals, and provide more space for training of our future GP's.
"While primary care is the responsibility of the Federal Government, the Tasmanian Liberal Government is stepping in and investing more than $44 million to support GPs and to ensure Tasmanians are able to access these important services in their local communities.
"By boosting our local GP practices, we can ensure that more Tasmanians can receive care within their community and reduce pressure in our hospitals."
