The Australian Medical Association (AMA) says a scheme to establish community-run GP clinics could help to attract more doctors to regional towns.
The ‘walk-in, walk-out’ model would see community groups or local councils establish the clinics, with rooms, office staff and equipment.
The association’s president, Brian Owler, says doctors would only have to pay a small fee to operate out of the clinic and would not have to commit long-term.
He says it could help to address regional recruitment issues.
“If people are struggling in a particular area this is one solution the local community can look at to make sure it’s easier to try and attract GPs to their town and once they’re there of course if they have a good experience, they’re much more likely to stay,” he said.
He says the scheme removes many of the financial barriers to recruitment.
“It’s about encouraging people to make that commitment to a rural area, making it easier for them to establish a practice and a presence there and then hopefully staying a much longer term,” he said.
“It allows the doctor to focus on what they’re there for and that’s to see patients and treat patients and keep them well.”