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July 24, 2019
During AMA Family Doctor Week (21 – 27 July 2019) we are highlighting the role of family doctors and the value that GPs bring to our community and our health system as they continue to deliver high-quality care.
AMA ACT President, Dr Antonio Di Dio said Australians already know the benefits of having a regular family doctor.
“GPs are the first port of call when people feel unwell and are able to manage 90% of the problems they encounter. They provide holistic care specific to a patient’s health care needs and often for a whole family – across the lifespan,” said Dr Di Dio.
The theme of the week is “Your family doctor and you: partnering for health”.
“We know that 78% of patients have a preferred usual GP that they see. There are many benefits of having a regular family doctor as this continuity of care helps patients lead healthier lives, avoid preventable illness, get the right care and improve health outcomes,” said Dr Di Dio.
Capital Health Network (CHN) Chief Executive, Adjunct Professor Gaylene Coulton said that general practice is the cornerstone of the primary health care system in Australia. In the ACT, Canberrans have reported that they have a good relationship with their family doctor.
“It’s pleasing to see that locally over 90% of Canberrans felt respected, listened to and were given adequate time by their GP. To hear patients reporting this is very positive as we know that if you have an ongoing relationship with your family doctor you will experience better health outcomes,” said Adj Prof Coulton.
“We’re proud to be supporting AMA Family Doctor Week. Our local GPs continue to deliver high-quality care and provide such an important role in managing people with chronic conditions and keeping them out of hospital,” said Adj Prof Coulton.
CHN, through the ACT PHN program, is working closely with general practices in the ACT to support them to enable improvements in clinical care for patients.
For more information about Family Doctor Week 2019 see ama.com.au/family-doctor-week-2019