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Cecilia Moretti & Sara Howard, PHC RIS
While part of an interconnected national Network, individual Divisions of General Practice exist as independent, locally-based
organisations working to support the provision of primary health care services to their local communities. The localised nature of
Divisions is a major strength of the Divisions Program, as it produces an on-the-ground understanding of their communities and the
conditions in which they live. It is for this reason that Divisions are so well placed to respond in times of disaster, such as the
recent floods and devastating bushfires along the Eastern states of Australia.
The Victorian bushfires have been especially crippling with vast destruction of homes and livelihoods and high injury and death
tolls. However, support services and coordination efforts provided by Divisions of General Practice have helped to facilitate initial
recovery from this traumatic event. In particular, the Northern Division of General Practice (NDGP) is directly located within the
disaster zone, with clinics in and surrounding the affected areas (eg. Whittlesea and Kinglake). Supported by an existing General
Practice Emergency Response Plan, the NDGP has galvanised information and services for people directly affected by the fires, including
the provision of priority counselling services <www.ndgp.org.au>. The CEO of
NDGP, Mr Phillip Bain, has expressed praise for the heroic and tireless efforts of health workers in treating bushfire victims, despite
many being directly affected by the trauma through loss of property, loved ones and colleagues. NDGP and neighbouring Divisions are
aware that the healing process for victims will be long and require ongoing support.
It is of note that Divisions are no strangers to supporting their communities at times of emergency and trauma. For example,
from 2005-06 to 2006-07, Divisions reported on programs and activities targeting people affected by natural disasters in the Annual
Survey of Divisions (ASD). Divisions most commonly reported responding to the needs of drought-affected communities, although
relief activities were also targeted at communities affected by Cyclone Larry (Queensland), the Newcastle floods (NSW) and the Eyre
Peninsula bushfires (SA). Division responses included disaster planning, workforce supplementation, counselling services and referrals,
linkages to support groups, and community information.
The staff at PHC RIS wish to extend their sympathy and condolences to all who have been affected by the floods in Queensland and fires in Victoria.
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