A Tarzia Liberal Government will make it easier for South Australians to see their General Practitioners, announcing a policy to support GPs to stay open longer.
The GP After-hours Increased Access Trial would support GP clinics to extend their opening hours during the week and to open on Sundays.
The two-year trial, worth $24 million, would give more South Australians the opportunity to access routine and preventive GP care outside of traditional business hours, including until 8pm Monday to Friday and from 9am to 1pm on Sundays.
Under the proposal, up to 80 GP practices could apply to receive a grant of up to $150,000 per practice to meet additional costs of operating after hours, such as wages, on-call allowances and facility costs.
Leader of the Opposition, Vincent Tarzia said that extending the time a GP can open will allow for more appointments and give families flexibility to manage their health at a time that suits them.
“Every family understands the juggle of scheduling a routine GP appointment around work, school and social activities, that is also within the clinic’s opening hours,” Mr Tarzia said.
“We know that being able to see your doctor for preventative health care, such as vaccinations and regular health checks, keeps us healthier in the long term and prevents additional strain on the health system.
“This is an initiative that the Royal Australian College of GPs have been calling for and we support all options that make it as easy as possible for everyone to access this essential health service.”
Shadow Minister for Health, Ashton Hurn said the initiative is not just about providing flexibility for families, but also about keeping people out of emergency departments if they can avoid it.
“We need to do everything we can to support families and keep people out of hospital and this initiative is designed to do just that,” Mrs Hurn said.
“Our local GPs are an essential workforce in keeping our community healthy, happy and out of hospitals if they can avoid it.
“This will help practices keep their doors open longer and provide great flexibility for patients and families.
“We are committed to removing barriers which could deter people accessing primary healthcare – that’s why we’re announcing this policy, and it’s why are also committed to scrapping the GP payroll tax grab.”
