Canberra announces GP visiting scheme

The ACT Government is launching a new program to give older Canberra residents better access to general practitioners.

Under the GP Aged Day Service program, GPs will be made available to visit elderly, housebound people and aged care residents within business hours.

“Older housebound Canberrans and those living in our local residential aged care facilities can’t always get to a GP for a range of reasons such as reduced mobility,” said the capital territory’s chief minister and acting health minister, Jon Stanhope.

“The GP shortage here in the ACT also makes it difficult for many doctors to make home visits quickly.”

When the new program begins, busy GPs will be able to refer older patients to doctors working for the GP Aged Day Service who will conduct a home visit on the GP’s behalf.

The territory government is calling for proposals from organisations which would be interested in managing the new service.

“I expect a strong interest from potential providers of this new service and look forward to the outcome of the procurement process,” said Mr Stanhope.

Proposals must be lodged by Monday, 15 March and the new service is expected to begin in July this year.

Click here for more information about the GP Aged Day Service.