Families across the Ballarat region are already benefiting from improved and expanded health services through the Grampians Medicare Local, which was officially launched today, Federal Member for Ballarat Catherine King said.
The Grampians Medicare Local has been working since July last year with local health providers to improve health services, and helping patients navigate the health system to find the right care.
“The Grampians Medicare Local has an important role as a community-based health system planner that can deliver local solutions to local health problems,” Ms King said.
“It is working with regional health providers and hospital boards to identify gaps in available health services. It will establish new and expanded services to fill these gaps, ensuring local patients and their carers find the care they need.
“For example, the Grampians Medicare Local is working with local aged care facilities to improve access to allied health services. It is partnering with the Women’s Health Grampians and Pap Screen Victoria to improve screening among at-risk local women.
“It has also boosted mental health services in the region, is rolling out telehealth to benefit patients living in rural and remote areas, and is supporting female GPs by establishing a Female Doctors Network.
“These are just some examples of how Medicare Locals work to improve the health of their communities, overcoming barriers such as remoteness to deliver essential health services when and where they are needed.”
All of Australia’s 61 Medicare Locals have now been established and are working to make it easier for patients to get the health care they need, when they need it, and closer to home.