Gippsland’s Primary Care Partnerships (PCPs) face more uncertainty after the Andrews Government announced it’s implementing a review into their operations.
Funding service agreements were due to expire on 31 December 2019, however they have been thrown a stay of execution until 30 June 2020 after a review announcement last week.
PCPs actively contribute to the health and wellbeing of individuals, families and their communities across Gippsland.
The Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Melina Bath called on the Minister for Health in State Parliament last week to give fair and proper representation to Gippsland PCP’s and their agency as part of the review.
“It is important for Gippsland’s PCPs to be provided with a genuine and comprehensive opportunity to explain their services and put forward their case to continue operating,” said Ms Bath.
“Our PCP’s create healthier communities, setting up and coordinating support services and programs in Gippsland.”
A delegation of PCPs from across Victoria visited State Parliament last week meeting with Liberal Nationals MP’s to further discuss their concerns.
Ms Bath said Gippsland PCPs are desperate to have their funding continued by the Andrews Government for another three years.
“Instead of assurances, Labor has frustratingly handed our PCPs ambiguity and doubt,” said Ms Bath.
“Gippsland’s PCPs and our community deserve more than Andrews Government is dishing out.
“PCPs are an important cog in Victoria’s health system, performing a range of formal and informal health services to provide integrated support.
“Service integration is vitally important in Gippsland as accessing health services can be particularly challenging.
“Labor must support and listen to Gippsland PCPs as part of their review and commit to ongoing funding to provide the vital health service with future certainty,” Ms Bath said.
Labor’s Health Minister has 30 days in which to reply to Ms Bath’s request made on behalf of Gippsland PCPs.
