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Grave concerns held for region’s primary carers

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Ninety-five per cent of GPs in the Hunter region are concerned about the emotional wellbeing of their staff, according to a new COVID Impact Survey released this week.

Seventy-four per cent admitted they are also worried about the management of chronic health conditions.

The survey, conducted throughout the pandemic, asked GPs and primary care providers to identify areas of concern, identify needs and rationalise a range of support activities undertaken throughout the pandemic.

The impact on staff is by far the most significant issue for general practices and allied health providers, the longer the situation continues the more staff are affected and the level of despair and anxiety increases.

The three surveys, conducted in December 2020, May 2020 and April 2022, were initiated by the Hunter New England Central Coast Primary Health Network (PHN).

The results, says PHN CEO Richard Nankervis, were unsurprising. 

“Workforce shortage, driven by COVID restrictions on international recruitment, isolation rules and illness, have all created this perfect storm for GP burnout and fatigue,” he says.

“Similarly, we know that with lockdowns and isolation came a dramatic decline in health screening and chronic disease management. The impact of this will be seen in the coming years.”

Mr Nankervis says the network would continue to work through identified areas of concern.

“The PHN is addressing this issue through the successful implementation of several incentive schemes to recruit GPs to our region,” he said.

“In the past 12 months, our incentives have recruited 26 new GPs to the region. We will continue active recruitment to support and grow the general practice workforce.”

A change in traditional consultation methods was viewed as progressive.

“On a positive note, it’s excellent to see the uptake of telehealth and other digital tools,” Mr Nankervis said. 

“The PHN has invested $1,000,000 over the past six months to provide 200 general practices, allied health practices and residential aged care facilities with a $5,000 digital health grant.

“These grants have gone a long way to improving general digital health capabilities and enablers such as telehealth systems, website upgrades, online booking systems, e-referral/e-prescription and/or cyber security training.” 

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