Alice Morrissey, Australian General Practice Network
 Primary health care is
"the principal vehicle for the delivery of health care at the most local level of a country's health system," – World Health Organization
When the National Primary Health Care Partnership (NPHCP) was launched by Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon at Parliament House in June a united voice for the future of Australian health care was heard loud and clear.
Representing 19 national peak health organisations and more than 100,000 frontline workers, the Partnership aims to provide advocacy and communication services across the Australian primary health care sector.
This advocacy body provides a central point of contact for information about and input into the delivery of primary health care services in Australia and is working towards a primary health care system that works for the people who need and use it.
NPHCP Chair Claire Hewat said "One of the principal aims of the partnership even before the official launch was to lobby government for the development and implementation of a National Primary Health Care Strategy and the Partnership has since welcomed the Federal Government commitment to this goal."
The NPHCP now intends to work closely with the External Reference Group (ERG) to advocate for a National Primary Health Care Strategy that leads to the provision of coordinated, evidence based, safe primary health care services delivered by multidisciplinary health care teams and accessible by all Australians irrespective of geographic, social, economic or cultural background. The ERG has been appointed by the Government to advise on the Strategy and is chaired by Dr Tony Hobbs, current chair of the Australian General Practice Network (AGPN).
Ms Hewat said "All primary health care professionals play a vital role in keeping Australians healthy and we want a health care system that invests in primary health and places patients first so that they can get the most effective care, by the most appropriate health professional at the right time."
"The NPHCP will continue to work with government and others in the health care sector to ensure that all Australians have an accessible, affordable and sustainable health care system" said Ms Hewat.
For further information visit: <www.nphcp.com.au>
Alice Morrissey
Communications Officer
Australian General Practice Network
E: amorrissey@agpn.com.au
W: www.agpn.com.au
|
