Queensland Health and GPs work together to combat chronic disease
Published Friday, 16 June, 2006 at 03:00 PM
Minister for Health
The Honourable Stephen Robertson
The Beattie Government has delivered a $2.8 million boost to support local general practitioners in their efforts to combat chronic disease.
Health Minister Stephen Robertson announced the one-off grant at a meeting of the Wide Bay Division of General Practice in Hervey Bay last night.
Mr Robertson said the funding would be used to develop partnerships between local health districts and regional divisions of general practice and also to implement the General Practice Advisory Council (GPAC) Continuity of Care Planning Framework.
“This will deliver 18 local partnerships throughout the state,” he said.
“By working together, Queensland Health and local GPs can improve planning, share resources and ultimately deliver better outcomes for patients at risk of developing chronic disease or patients who have chronic disease.
“It will also help the health system as a whole, to respond better to chronic disease.”
Mr Robertson said preventable chronic diseases such as cardiac, diabetes and some cancers were the cause of thousands of Queenslanders dying each year.
“Better communication between hospitals and GPs will ensure patients receive more holistic treatment,” he said.
“For example, a person with Type II Diabetes Mellitus, in consultation with their general practitioner, may use community-based or outpatient services, such as an optometrist, diabetes educator, dietician, pharmacist, and podiatrist.
“This patient may also require pathology and diagnostic services, specialist services and require periods of hospitalisation.”
Mr Robertson said the grant was part of a $20 million injection to support non-government organisations in the delivery of health services throughout the state.
“The Beattie Government recognises that preventing and managing the growing burden of chronic disease in Queensland is a major challenge for all health service providers,” he said.
“I am pleased the Queensland Division of General Practice is willing to work with Queensland Health in our joint efforts to combat chronic disease.”
Mr Robertson said the funding would be used to create 18 project officers throughout the state, develop resources, workshops and training including Health services planning, community engagement and leadership training.
“Community groups play an important role in making Queensland a healthier place and that’s why we are pleased to deliver this funding,” he said.
“This project complements the Queensland Strategy for Chronic Disease 2005 – 2015 which outlined local partnerships as crucial to the success of this strategy.”
16 June 2006
MEDIA: MATTHEW JUTSUM 3225 2680
Health Minister Stephen Robertson announced the one-off grant at a meeting of the Wide Bay Division of General Practice in Hervey Bay last night.
Mr Robertson said the funding would be used to develop partnerships between local health districts and regional divisions of general practice and also to implement the General Practice Advisory Council (GPAC) Continuity of Care Planning Framework.
“This will deliver 18 local partnerships throughout the state,” he said.
“By working together, Queensland Health and local GPs can improve planning, share resources and ultimately deliver better outcomes for patients at risk of developing chronic disease or patients who have chronic disease.
“It will also help the health system as a whole, to respond better to chronic disease.”
Mr Robertson said preventable chronic diseases such as cardiac, diabetes and some cancers were the cause of thousands of Queenslanders dying each year.
“Better communication between hospitals and GPs will ensure patients receive more holistic treatment,” he said.
“For example, a person with Type II Diabetes Mellitus, in consultation with their general practitioner, may use community-based or outpatient services, such as an optometrist, diabetes educator, dietician, pharmacist, and podiatrist.
“This patient may also require pathology and diagnostic services, specialist services and require periods of hospitalisation.”
Mr Robertson said the grant was part of a $20 million injection to support non-government organisations in the delivery of health services throughout the state.
“The Beattie Government recognises that preventing and managing the growing burden of chronic disease in Queensland is a major challenge for all health service providers,” he said.
“I am pleased the Queensland Division of General Practice is willing to work with Queensland Health in our joint efforts to combat chronic disease.”
Mr Robertson said the funding would be used to create 18 project officers throughout the state, develop resources, workshops and training including Health services planning, community engagement and leadership training.
“Community groups play an important role in making Queensland a healthier place and that’s why we are pleased to deliver this funding,” he said.
“This project complements the Queensland Strategy for Chronic Disease 2005 – 2015 which outlined local partnerships as crucial to the success of this strategy.”
16 June 2006
MEDIA: MATTHEW JUTSUM 3225 2680