Area gets GP boost

By Kath Gannaway
UPPER Yarra’s after-hours medical service will be set up in the existing medical centre in the town’s main street.
Initial funding of $300,000, with second year funding for the same amount, will pay for a doctor and medical receptionist on three week days and on weekends.
The service will be run by the Eastern Ranges GP Association (ERGPA), the first Division of General Practice in Australia to receive funding for two after hours service sites.
Welcoming funding for the service, announced by McEwen MP Fran Bailey last week, ERGPA chairwoman Dr Barbara Inness said a recruitment drive had already begun for a doctor.
Kristen Michaels, ERGPA CEO, said while the general shortage of doctors made it potentially quite difficult for any service to get a doctor, the fact that the Upper Yarra has been designated RRMA5 (Rural Remote Metropolitan Area) and qualifies for funding for an overseas doctor, along with the fact a generous package is being offered, would be in Upper Yarra’s favour.
“We will be out there doing our best to see that happens,” she said.
Ms Inness said the Upper Yarra service was an exciting development which would build on the success of the Eastern Ranges After Hours Medical Service based at Healesville.
Dr Innes thanked Ms Bailey for her work on behalf of the local communities which she said had ensured the funding.
“It will be good for the communities along the Warburton Highway to have face-to-face access to a GP after hours within close driving distance,” Dr Inness said.
Ms Michaels told the Mail the funding for five days was based on the population the service would provide for along the Warburton Highway between Woori Yallock, Warburton and beyond, and the proximity to the seven day Healesville service.