The Tasmanian Liberal Government has awarded nearly $2 million in funding to six General Practices across the State, to secure the future of clinics in rural and regional areas.
The General Practice Sustainability and Viability Initiative provides up to $250,000 per year for projects designed to improve access to services and support the long-term sustainability of the General Practice.
Successful recipients include Beaconsfield Family Medical Practice, Deloraine & Westbury Medical Centre, Derwent Valley Medical Centre (Bushy Park satellite clinic), Patrick Street Clinic (Ulverstone), Prospect Medical Complex, and George Town Medical Centre.
Minister for Health, Jacquie Petrusma, said the Tasmanian Government is stepping in where the Federal Government is dropping the ball.
"The Tasmanian Liberal Government is securing access to primary care in rural areas as part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future," Minister Petrusma said.
"This funding is an important part of our nation-leading GP Guarantee that aims to keep care close to communities and alleviate pressure on the hospital system.
"Our rural and regional General Practices are important pillars of their communities, which is why we pledged this funding to support practices to enhance their current services.
"The six important projects funded through this nearly $2 million investment will help boost access to primary care for Tasmanians living in rural and regional areas and ensure the ongoing viability of these practices in the long-term.
"While primary care is the responsibility of the Federal Government, we are doing what we can to support General Practices and ensure Tasmanians are able to access these services in their local communities."
The projects to be funded with the Tasmanian Government grants include expanding practice infrastructure with new consulting rooms to meet patient demand and new short stay accommodation for locum staff.
Other projects include purchasing new ICT and medical equipment, staff training and development, and establishing a new satellite General Practice clinic in Bushy Park which will service the surrounding areas including Ouse.
