In the lead-up to the federal election, the Hunter community and local politicians joined forces to try and reinstate a much-cherished service.
Thankfully, that perseverance paid big dividends.
And, from Monday 31 July, the GP Access After Hours (GPAAH) clinic at Belmont Hospital will have its times restored.
It’s a similar situation at the recently-reopened Calvary Mater.
On Sundays, the clinic will now be operational until 10pm, an increase of six hours.
The changes are a result of an incredible campaign, with more than 11,000 Novocastrians signing a petition to save the essential service.
Following two years of Liberal cuts, operating hours were reduced at the GPAAH clinics at Belmont, Maitland and John Hunter hospitals and the Toronto Polyclinic, while Calvary Mater closed its doors completely on Christmas Eve in 2021.
GP Access offers face-to-face and telehealth primary care services outside business hours.
But, in its first budget, the Albanese government provided $28.7 million to restore the services to full capacity and provide funding certainty into the future.
“[Today] is a huge victory for the Lake Macquarie community, who campaigned hard to get the Belmont Hospital GP Access After Hours service, along with the other clinics, restored,” Shortland MP Pat Conroy said.
“I am so proud to be part of a government listening to residents and ensuring more people have access to a GP when they need it, while taking pressure off our emergency departments.”
Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon echoed those sentiments.
“The extension of hours at the Calvary Mater means Novocastrians will have increased access to free quality primary healthcare outside business hours, where the only card you need is your Medicare card,” she said.
The government will continue working with the Primary Health Network as services continue to be restored at Toronto Polyclinic.
“We’ve delivered on our commitment to restore the GP Access After Hours clinic, after the former Liberal government cut funding forcing the service to close its doors,” Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler said.
“The much-needed service at Belmont will again be able to provide families in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie the care they need when they need it.
“It’ll also reduce pressure on local hospitals.”
The Belmont Hospital clinic will be open weekdays from 6pm to 10pm, Saturdays from 1pm to 10pm and Sundays from 3pm to 10pm.
Appointments must be booked via the GP Access call centre on 1300 130 147.
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