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GP fights super clinics

06 Nov, 2009 12:18 AM
MEDICAID will close its doors on Monday in protest at the Federal Government's $275 million GP Super Clinics.

Medicaid director Dr Carl Grace said his bulk-billing clinics in Ballarat and Geelong would be closed for one day while he attended a Doctors Action Group meeting in Sydney.

About 200 GPs from around the nation are expected to attend the meeting, organised by Penrith GP Dr Adrian Sheen.

The GP Super Clinics, one of which is in Ballan, combine GPs and allied health professionals in a one-stop health-care shop.

"We are concerned at the public not being informed about changes in the health care system," Dr Grace said.

"The government is spending $300 million on bulk-billing clinics that will detract from single GP practices that have been there for 100 years.

"It will send some small practices to the wall."

Dr Grace said a Federal Government proposal to set up nurses as practitioners able to prescribe medicine and order tests was also concerning GPs.

"It's time everyone knew what (Health Minister) Nicola Roxon is doing.

"For centuries, GPs have been giving the best health care to people."

Dr Sheen said he was concerned the 36 GP Super Clinics would affect privacy and the doctor-patient relationship.

"The main issue is whether or not people will have a family doctor," Dr Sheen said.

The Ballarat and District Division of General Practice said no other Ballarat GPs are thought to be attending the meeting.

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Date: Newest first | Oldest first
Oh Dr Grace, give me a break! The only reason you and your cronies don't like the idea of nurse practitioners is because they would be stepping on your toes and eating into your profits. Spare me the rubbish about GP's "giving the best care". Patient care is collaborative and multi-disciplined and doctors aren't some all-knowing entities dolling out awesome care because if they were? There would be absolutely no need for these new clinics or for nurse practitioners to start stepping in and covering the shortfalls of general practice. There are just not enough GP's to go around and you know it.
Posted by Annoyed Nurse, 7/11/2009 8:40:12 AM
"The main issue is whether or not people will have a family doctor." To be honest, Dr Sheen, our family hasn't had a family doctor for four years here in Ballarat and we have also been turned away from your clinic in times of need. I do, however, sympathize with your fear of nurse practitioners and can assure you most parents would rather attend hospital emergency than visit a nurse practitioner or call nurse-on-call.
Posted by Ballarat Mum, 7/11/2009 9:10:04 AM
Does the doctor really believe that G.P.'s have given their best care to patients for "centuries"??? Until about the 1860's or even later, many G.P.'s did not even believe in antiseptis. Many doctors were still ignorant of the spread of germs and resisted any new ideas on cleaniness and some doctors were nothing more than charlatons. I think that "decades" would be more appropriate. While I ciriticise this comment, I am 100% in favour of keeping our family G.P.'s. Most are very devoted and caring doctors and the thought of these new clinics horrifies me. Makes me think of third-world medical aid.
Posted by book-worm of Sebastopol, 7/11/2009 10:08:04 AM

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Dr Carl Grace
Dr Carl Grace

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