The Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network has announced it has secured a new provider for Wagga’s after hours GP service. Photo: Peopleimages.
The Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) has announced a new provider of the Wagga GP After Hours Service.
From 1 October, Marathon Health, a regional not-for-profit healthcare provider, will take over delivery of the service, transitioning it to a weekend and public holiday after-hours model that continues to support access for community members, and an on-call service weeknights, weekends and public holidays for residents of local aged care homes.
MPHN CEO Stewart Gordon said changes to the model reflected a broader shift towards sustainable after-hours care.
“While we’re taking care of our community, we also need to take care of our workforce,” Mr Gordon said.
“This after-hours service model addresses workforce needs and embraces options now available in the community, including urgent care services and telehealth.”
Marathon Health CEO Megan Callinan welcomed the opportunity to work with local GPs to support the community.
“Marathon Health has been providing after-hours GP services to regional NSW for more than 10 years and we’re proud to be stepping in to deliver this important service for Wagga Wagga to ensure residents continue to have access to after-hours GP care over the weekend and public holidays,” Ms Callinan said.
“We understand the vital role this service plays for the community, especially for parents, carers, and senior residents. We’re committed to working closely with local GPs and stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition and a service that works for Wagga Wagga.”
The Wagga GP After Hours Service also recently launched the Wagga Wagga GP-based Urgent Care Service, a bulk-billed initiative providing around 100 weekday appointments across seven general practices for urgent, non-life-threatening care.
Patients can access these services by calling Healthdirect on 1800 022 222, through which a nurse will assess and book an appointment if needed.
Wagga GP After Hours Service will continue to operate during the transition, and MPHN is working with staff, GPs and stakeholders to ensure a smooth handover.
“The Wagga GP After Hours Service has served our community well for more than 22 years, thanks to the dedication of our local GPs,” Mr Gordon said.
“Now is the time to make some changes that reflect today’s environment, to ensure our GP workforce can continue to deliver care well into the future.”
