What is the After Hours Program?
From 1 July 2011 a mandatory role of the ACT Medicare Local is to address after hours primary care needs of the region and ensure that they are coordinated and appropriate to community needs. ACTML will support health professionals in the arrangement and provision of these services.
What does the After Hours Program do?
Works closely with stakeholders to:
- Identify and assess existing after hours primary care service capacity in the ACT;
- Develop an understanding of the local community after hours primary care needs;
- Implement local plans developed through health professional and community consultation to enhance the availability of after hours primary care in the region.
How can the After Hours Program help you?
- Assist general practices to commence, continue or extend after hours services.
- Raise consumer awareness of what options are available in the after hours period and when to seek them to ensure appropriate care.
- Liaise with and support clinicians to ensure that information is being provided to the ACT (and later National) Health Service Directory.
What has the After Hours Program achieved?
- The After Hours Program Reference Group has been established and meets on a regular basis.
- Mapping of existing after hours primary care services.
- Extensive health service and community consultation has been completed and is informing the next stages of the after hours program from 1 July 2012.
- A “Known Gap Filling” strategy to address gaps in after hours primary care commenced in early 2012 and will continue until 30 June 2013.
Who can help you?
Hailey Shaw
After Hours Program Officer
6287 8099
For more information visit www.afterhoursact.com.au