Consyl Publishing & Publicity Ltd

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Care round clock

THOUSANDS of Australian families will have improved access to after-hours care from local doctors following a substantial investment under the Round the Clock Medicare initiative.
The Commonwealth Government has provided $4.45 million to support the long term viability and sustainability of 42 after-hours medical services. This includes 37 supplementary grants and 5 start-up grants.
By delivering on its Round the Clock Medicare election policy commitment, the Government is improving access to after-hours GP care, both in metropolitan and regional Australia.
These grants are part of a five-year, $106.2 million plan. After-hours GP services are being funded in three ways:
* Operating Subsidies of up to $200,000 per year for up to three years for new or recently established after-hours GP services.
* Start up Grants of up to $200,000 over two years for GP services to establish after-hours services or to extend existing GP services into the after-hours period.
* Supplementary Grants of up to $50,000 a year for two years to assist established after-hours services.
Australia has a strong network of GPs as the first line of treatment for illness and injury.
The Government's latest investment will help meet a community need for GP services outside normal business hours. Announcements of further recipients are expected in the near future.