Queensland Health and Brisbane GPs unite to help fight chronic disease
Published Wednesday, 16 May, 2007 at 02:03 PM
Minister for Health
The Honourable Stephen Robertson
An agreement signed today between Queensland Health and GPpartners will help Brisbane doctors better manage patients with chronic disease, Health Minister Stephen Robertson said.
Mr Robertson announced the Patient Service Coordination agreement at Auchenflower Family Practice today.
GPpartners – formally known as the Brisbane North Division of General Practice – represents more than 800 GPs and more than 200 general practices in Brisbane’s northern and western suburbs.
Mr Robertson said under the program three patient service coordinators will be placed in general practices to help manage the care for patients with chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease and respiratory conditions.
“This program recognises that general practitioners serve on the frontline in the fight against chronic disease,” he said.
“Patient service coordinators will ensure a better continuity of care for patients by ensuring they have access to the health services they need.
“They will work with GPs to link patients with health services such as home nursing agencies, meals on wheels, community health services or referral back to medical specialists.
“Patients involved in the program will each receive a care plan and patient service coordinators will make sure that actions in the plan occur.
“Health service coordinators will also have a role in educating GPs about the kinds of services available.
“It will help boost the capacity of general practice to provide early intervention and self management for Queenslanders with chronic conditions.”
Mr Robertson said at least 450 patients would benefit from the program.
“This agreement shows that Queensland Health and general practitioners are serious about working together to help people get healthier and reduce hospital admissions,” he said.
“Queensland Health is providing $302,000 while GPpartners is contributing $133,000 towards the program.
“Too often, people with chronic diseases end up back in hospital unnecessarily because they haven’t received the support they need to manage their disease.
“This program will help people better manage their chronic diseases, get the best quality of care, make their hospital stay as short as possible and avoid unnecessary hospital admissions.
“It will also help people live longer and enjoy better quality of life by helping to slow the rate of progression of chronic disease.”
MEDIA: MATTHEW JUTSUM 3225 2680
Mr Robertson announced the Patient Service Coordination agreement at Auchenflower Family Practice today.
GPpartners – formally known as the Brisbane North Division of General Practice – represents more than 800 GPs and more than 200 general practices in Brisbane’s northern and western suburbs.
Mr Robertson said under the program three patient service coordinators will be placed in general practices to help manage the care for patients with chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease and respiratory conditions.
“This program recognises that general practitioners serve on the frontline in the fight against chronic disease,” he said.
“Patient service coordinators will ensure a better continuity of care for patients by ensuring they have access to the health services they need.
“They will work with GPs to link patients with health services such as home nursing agencies, meals on wheels, community health services or referral back to medical specialists.
“Patients involved in the program will each receive a care plan and patient service coordinators will make sure that actions in the plan occur.
“Health service coordinators will also have a role in educating GPs about the kinds of services available.
“It will help boost the capacity of general practice to provide early intervention and self management for Queenslanders with chronic conditions.”
Mr Robertson said at least 450 patients would benefit from the program.
“This agreement shows that Queensland Health and general practitioners are serious about working together to help people get healthier and reduce hospital admissions,” he said.
“Queensland Health is providing $302,000 while GPpartners is contributing $133,000 towards the program.
“Too often, people with chronic diseases end up back in hospital unnecessarily because they haven’t received the support they need to manage their disease.
“This program will help people better manage their chronic diseases, get the best quality of care, make their hospital stay as short as possible and avoid unnecessary hospital admissions.
“It will also help people live longer and enjoy better quality of life by helping to slow the rate of progression of chronic disease.”
MEDIA: MATTHEW JUTSUM 3225 2680