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Hawkesbury region benefits from visit by federal minister

The Federal Minister for Health and Ageing, Senator Kay Patterson, today officially launched the Hawkesbury After Hours GP Service.

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1 September 2003

Hawkesbury region benefits from visit by federal minister

The Federal Minister for Health and Ageing, Senator Kay Patterson, today officially launched the Hawkesbury After Hours GP Service.

"The Australian Government will provide almost $667,000 in funding to facilitate and strengthen after hours services involving general practitioners, allied health workers and hospital emergency services. The aim is to provide appropriate care in the most efficient manner to the community," Senator Patterson said.

"Funding of $43.4 million over four years has been provided by the Australian Government to improve the range and quality of after hours health services for communities around Australia."

The After Hours Service is located at the Hawkesbury District Hospital. In addition to providing a clinic at the Hospital, the service also provides home visits and is staffed by local GPs who are on roster.

"The new Service fulfils a variety of community and GP needs. After hours care is an important element of the Australian health care system. It is a key part of this Government's aim to provide quality and appropriate health care to all members of the community," Senator Patterson said.

"Working with us to implement this new service are the Catholic Health Care Services, the Hawkesbury District Health Service and the Hawkesbury Division of General Practice."

During her visit to the District, the Minister took the opportunity to inspect the Hawkesbury Relapse Prevention Program, which is also located at the Hawkesbury District Hospital, and praised the work being done by its dedicated staff.

The Hawkesbury Relapse Prevention Program has been operating since July 2002 and will receive a total of $220,000 in funding from the Australian Government as part of the National Illicit Drug Strategy.

"In funding these initiatives, the Australian Government continues to demonstrate its commitment to ensuring people receive the care they need at the time they need it," Senator Patterson said.

The Minister acknowledged the support of her colleague Kerry Bartlett MP, Member for Macquarie, who accompanied her to the launch.

Similar after hours services in Tasmania and Victoria have resulted in reductions in after hours call-outs of doctors by 50-70 per cent, reducing the pressure on doctors and increasing the likelihood they will remain working in these communities.

Media inquiries: Randal Markey, Media Adviser, Senator Patterson's office, 02 6277 7220.