From new government roles to vaccine expansions, RACGP WA has laid out its budget wishlist.
RACGP WA is calling for the establishment of a state Chief General Practitioner that would represent the voice of GPs outside of professional advocacy bodies as part of its pre-budget submission this year.
With the state budget set to release on 7 May, RACGP WA has made its demands clear on where the government should direct its funding for effective healthcare.
Better coordination is the overarching theme of the prebudget submission, along with expanding needed measures to ensure better care for WA.
The RACGP is looking to shake up how it informs the WA state government on health policies, with a new position proposed to ensure more effective policy development.
“Western Australia’s Chief Medical Officers cover a wide range of health policy areas including pharmacy and psychiatry but currently do not specifically cover general practice,” the submission reads.
This role is expected to focus on improving interactions between primary and tertiary healthcare as well as ensuring GP views are incorporated into policy.
It would come at a $1.5 million yearly price tag, in line with other chief medical officer roles.
Another ask is the $3.75 million per year funding for a health data program based on the NSW Lumos initiative.
This program would track patient health journeys, providing insight to policy makers on how patients move between different healthcare services.
“The data is de-identified and has already provided powerful insights that are delivering health system efficiencies and savings including contributing to the significant reduction in readmission rates after GP visits post hospital discharge,” the submission reads.
After-hours care is another priority reform area for the college.
$6 million per annum has been proposed to fund 40 $150k support packages that would cover additional wages and associated facility costs.
Eligibility requirements are still yet to be determined, but the college has outlined that participating practices would need to include evenings from 5pm to 8pm along with weekend hours.
In alignment with other states, RACGP WA is also looking to fund Meningococcal B vaccine coverage with the price tag set at $36 million over four years.
Per the Western Australian Department of Health, between 10 and 20 patients are infected with the disease yearly, with vaccine funding aimed at reducing unnecessary hospitalisations.
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“Access to a vaccine for the A, C, W and Y serogroups is available through the NIP but families currently have to pay for the Meningococcal B vaccine out of pocket,” the submission reads.
The RACGP WA has also called for the establishment of a funding pool to remunerate GPs for services provided to the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT).
Per AMA WA, the number of medical reports required by the SAT of GPS is predicted to be approximately 3,379 applications last year, which the RACGP predicts has created a cumulative financial burden on GPs.
For $1.2 million per year, this would enable the SAT to reimburse medical practitioners who provide medical reports or other information.
