A New South Wales Bureau of Health Information report on public hospital and ambulance activity highlights the urgent need for government to do more to ensure everyone can access affordable GP care, says the Royal Australian College of GPs.
RACGP New South Wales Chair Dr Rebekah Hoffman said: "Today's report highlights the pressure on New South Wales' public hospitals and ambulance services – the system is broken and pouring billions more taxpayers' dollars into hospitals and non-doctor services won't fix it.
"GPs are the best medicine for New South Wales' struggling health system. Studies show patients who see the same GP are healthier and reduce pressure on hospitals and ambulances. There's simply no substitute for the quality care you get from a GP who knows you, and your history.
"New South Wales needs specialist GPs more than ever. Our population is ageing, and more people are living with chronic illness, which requires specialist GP care – three-in-four people in NSW had at least one long term condition in 2022, that's over six million people.
"It's deeply frustrating to see governments continuing to pour billions into hospitals when we know the best investment is funding preventive care and management of chronic conditions by GPs in the community.
"NSW's Chief Health Officer told the Special Commission of Inquiry into Healthcare Funding in NSW that more funding should go to preventing and managing chronic conditions in the community, which is what GPs do – going by Ryan Park's statement today, I don't think he's got the message.
"Over seven million people in New South Wales choose to see a GP for essential care each year. General practice is essential for the health and wellbeing of everyone in New South Wales.
