Latest news with #RACGP
The Advertiser
4 days ago
- Health
- The Advertiser
Low vaccine rates see flu cases rise, putting vulnerable people at risk
This year's flu season is shaping up to be one for the ages if current influenza case numbers are anything to go by - and low flu vaccination rates could be to blame. Figures from the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System show there have been more than 80,000 lab-confirmed influenza cases recorded across Australia in the year to May 19, representing about a 13 per cent increase over the same period last year. At the same time, flu vaccination rates are alarmingly low. Despite being part of a high-risk group, only 11.7 per cent of children aged between six months and five years old have received a flu vaccine this year. People aged 65 and over are another high-risk cohort at risk of serious complications from influenza. But data shows less than half (46.9 per cent) of this group are covered for the upcoming winter months. Dr Ramya Raman, vice-president of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), said people may be reluctant to get the flu vaccine due to fatigue surrounding vaccines in recent years. "There is a level of vaccine hesitancy that we are seeing, and it's primarily related to a sense of exhaustion," she said. But Dr Raman said flu vaccination is still very important, not just for your own health, but the health of those around you. "It's well proven in effectiveness," she said. "It not only protects patients, it also protects their families, their communities. And it makes a huge difference from having good herd immunity." The updated flu vaccine for the 2025 season is a quadrivalent vaccine, meaning it targets four separate strains. The following groups can access flu vaccines for free through their pharmacist or GP: If you are part of one of these high-risk groups, it's best to seek advice from your regular GP or medical practitioner before receiving a vaccine. This year's flu season is shaping up to be one for the ages if current influenza case numbers are anything to go by - and low flu vaccination rates could be to blame. Figures from the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System show there have been more than 80,000 lab-confirmed influenza cases recorded across Australia in the year to May 19, representing about a 13 per cent increase over the same period last year. At the same time, flu vaccination rates are alarmingly low. Despite being part of a high-risk group, only 11.7 per cent of children aged between six months and five years old have received a flu vaccine this year. People aged 65 and over are another high-risk cohort at risk of serious complications from influenza. But data shows less than half (46.9 per cent) of this group are covered for the upcoming winter months. Dr Ramya Raman, vice-president of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), said people may be reluctant to get the flu vaccine due to fatigue surrounding vaccines in recent years. "There is a level of vaccine hesitancy that we are seeing, and it's primarily related to a sense of exhaustion," she said. But Dr Raman said flu vaccination is still very important, not just for your own health, but the health of those around you. "It's well proven in effectiveness," she said. "It not only protects patients, it also protects their families, their communities. And it makes a huge difference from having good herd immunity." The updated flu vaccine for the 2025 season is a quadrivalent vaccine, meaning it targets four separate strains. The following groups can access flu vaccines for free through their pharmacist or GP: If you are part of one of these high-risk groups, it's best to seek advice from your regular GP or medical practitioner before receiving a vaccine. This year's flu season is shaping up to be one for the ages if current influenza case numbers are anything to go by - and low flu vaccination rates could be to blame. Figures from the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System show there have been more than 80,000 lab-confirmed influenza cases recorded across Australia in the year to May 19, representing about a 13 per cent increase over the same period last year. At the same time, flu vaccination rates are alarmingly low. Despite being part of a high-risk group, only 11.7 per cent of children aged between six months and five years old have received a flu vaccine this year. People aged 65 and over are another high-risk cohort at risk of serious complications from influenza. But data shows less than half (46.9 per cent) of this group are covered for the upcoming winter months. Dr Ramya Raman, vice-president of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), said people may be reluctant to get the flu vaccine due to fatigue surrounding vaccines in recent years. "There is a level of vaccine hesitancy that we are seeing, and it's primarily related to a sense of exhaustion," she said. But Dr Raman said flu vaccination is still very important, not just for your own health, but the health of those around you. "It's well proven in effectiveness," she said. "It not only protects patients, it also protects their families, their communities. And it makes a huge difference from having good herd immunity." The updated flu vaccine for the 2025 season is a quadrivalent vaccine, meaning it targets four separate strains. The following groups can access flu vaccines for free through their pharmacist or GP: If you are part of one of these high-risk groups, it's best to seek advice from your regular GP or medical practitioner before receiving a vaccine. This year's flu season is shaping up to be one for the ages if current influenza case numbers are anything to go by - and low flu vaccination rates could be to blame. Figures from the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System show there have been more than 80,000 lab-confirmed influenza cases recorded across Australia in the year to May 19, representing about a 13 per cent increase over the same period last year. At the same time, flu vaccination rates are alarmingly low. Despite being part of a high-risk group, only 11.7 per cent of children aged between six months and five years old have received a flu vaccine this year. People aged 65 and over are another high-risk cohort at risk of serious complications from influenza. But data shows less than half (46.9 per cent) of this group are covered for the upcoming winter months. Dr Ramya Raman, vice-president of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), said people may be reluctant to get the flu vaccine due to fatigue surrounding vaccines in recent years. "There is a level of vaccine hesitancy that we are seeing, and it's primarily related to a sense of exhaustion," she said. But Dr Raman said flu vaccination is still very important, not just for your own health, but the health of those around you. "It's well proven in effectiveness," she said. "It not only protects patients, it also protects their families, their communities. And it makes a huge difference from having good herd immunity." The updated flu vaccine for the 2025 season is a quadrivalent vaccine, meaning it targets four separate strains. The following groups can access flu vaccines for free through their pharmacist or GP: If you are part of one of these high-risk groups, it's best to seek advice from your regular GP or medical practitioner before receiving a vaccine.
The Guardian
25-05-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
GPs to diagnose ADHD and prescribe drugs for children and adults under NSW reforms
GPs in New South Wales will be among the first in Australia to diagnose and provide medication for children and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, the state government has announced. Currently, most people seeking a diagnosis, management and ongoing prescription medication for ADHD must see a specialist – often a paediatrician for children or a psychiatrist for adults. That creates difficulties, critics have said, due to the high costs and long wait lists involved, especially in regional areas. The NSW reforms should help people like mid-north coast mother Suzanne Grobke, who told the Guardian in March that she was making an eight-hour round-trip to visit a Sydney paediatrician every three months to access ADHD medicine for her 12-year-old daughter. The government announced on Monday it would enable up to 1,000 general practitioners to provide ongoing ADHD prescriptions for children and adults on stable doses of medication. A smaller number of GPs would be enabled to diagnose and initiate medication where appropriate. The NSW premier, Chris Minns, said 'by safely training more GPs to treat and diagnose ADHD, we are hoping to break the cycle of people having to wait years for what can be a life-altering diagnosis'. The move was welcomed by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP). The college's NSW chair, Dr Rebekah Hoffman, said: 'This announcement will have life-changing impacts when it comes to accessing timely and affordable ADHD care for families across the state.' Hoffman said she had heard of families in rural areas travelling more than seven hours to see a paediatrician, and families in Sydney spending more than $5,000 on assessments and diagnosis for ADHD.' 'We know when it comes to ADHD that early intervention is vital, and being able to access appropriate therapy and medications from a young age helps kids thrive at school and at home,' she said. The state government would seek expressions of interest from GPs to undertake additional education and training funded by NSW Health in the coming months. Sign up to Breaking News Australia Get the most important news as it breaks after newsletter promotion The reforms would be staged, prioritising prescriptions for children because of the significant impact any delay can have on a child's development. Ongoing prescriptions for children were expected from early 2026. In Queensland, GPs have been able to diagnose and prescribe ADHD medicine for children but not adults since 2017. Western Australia committed in February to reforms allowing GPs to diagnose and prescribe stimulant medication for ADHD for patients over 10 years of age. The WA chair of RACGP, Dr Ramya Raman, said GPs in the state would 'soon' begin a structured college educational program with 13 hours of online modules and complete workshops led by non-GP specialists. A 2023 Senate inquiry into ADHD in Australia recommended nationally consistent rules for ADHD medication prescriptions. The proposal was supported by the federal government, but it is yet to commit to national reforms.
West Australian
25-05-2025
- Health
- West Australian
State-wide reform to ADHD treatment enabling faster, cheaper diagnoses
Treatment for people living with ADHD – one of the most prevalent mental disorders in Australia – will become cheaper and more accessible under major reforms made by the NSW Government. The Minns Government has announced reforms to the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) – a chronic condition including attention difficulty, hyperactivity and impulsiveness – which expands who is permitted to diagnose, manage and dispense ongoing prescriptions. Currently, people seeking treatment for ADHD must see a specialist, which can be expensive and involve long wait times of months or years. For many Australians, these barriers mean that treatment will not be accessed at all. The reforms announced on Monday will allow GPs to become accredited to diagnose and initiate medication, after completing additional training and education. There are two tiers of accredited training or registration, with each providing differing levels of capacity to diagnose, treat, prescribe or manage ADHD. Up to 1000 general practitioners will be supported to complete additional training to allow continuation prescriptions once a patient has been stabilised without the need of a formal arrangement. Currently, GPs can only get approval to prescribe stimulant medications under specific conditions. The additional training will be funded by NSW Health. With the number of Australians prescribed ADHD medication growing by almost 300 per cent in a decade, rising to 470,000 people in 2022-2023, the changes are expected to make a significant impact. These reforms will be rolled out in a staged approach, with an initial focus on prescriptions for children as delays in treatment for this cohort can be detrimental to academic progress, employment and mental health. Premier Chris Minns said he hopes that by removing 'red tape', these reforms will 'break the cycle' of delays plaguing ADHD treatment in the mental health system. 'By safely training more GPs to treat and diagnose ADHD, we are hoping to break the cycle of people having to wait years for, what can be, a life-altering diagnosis,' he said. 'Not getting diagnosed can have a particularly big impact on a child getting the most out of their life, whether that's academically or socially. 'These reforms help tilt the scales in favour of fairness – reducing the cost of getting treatment by hundreds of dollars, removing red tape for thousands of families and young people, and giving people the support they need to live happier, healthier lives.' RACGP Chairperson Dr Rebekah Hoffman said she has witnessed how challenging acquiring an ADHD diagnosis can be for individuals and families, and welcomes the changes. 'As I travel across New South Wales, I hear from my colleagues about families in rural areas who travel more than seven hours to see a pediatrician, and of families in Sydney spending more than $5,000 on assessments and diagnosis for ADHD,' she said. 'This announcement will have life-changing impacts when it comes to accessing timely and affordable ADHD care for families across the state. 'GPs in many parts of Australia, and around the world, are already diagnosing ADHD and prescribing medications. Our colleagues in Queensland, for example, have been safely prescribing ADHD medications since 2017 ' … In the years ahead, we look forward to working constructively with the Government to go even further and train up more GPs to diagnose and initiate medication so that all families can access the care and treatment they need.' The training will begin in the coming months and GPs are expected to be able to provide ongoing prescriptions to children by early 2026.
Medscape
21-05-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Australian Government Doubles Down on Urgent Care Clinics
The Australian government has bet big on Medicare Urgent Care Clinics (UCCs) and is now winning over some previously skeptical general practitioners (GPs). Still, not everyone is convinced that these clinics will relieve the pressure on emergency departments. Since 2022, the government has spent hundreds of millions of dollars establishing 87 Medicare UCCs around the country. It is now doubling down on this investment, with 50 more clinics planned. Medicare UCCs offer free or bulk-billed healthcare services for urgent conditions that are not life-threatening. So far, almost 1.5 million people have visited these centers. 'Medicare UCCs have already delivered significant benefits for Australians through high-quality, accessible, walk-in care,' a spokesperson for the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing told Medscape Medical News . The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) and the National Council of Primary Care Doctors raised serious concerns about the expansion of the Medicare UCCs before the federal election, arguing that it would be more cost-effective to fund general practices. RACGP's Stance Softens Following the Labor Party's landslide victory, however, it's clear that these Medicare UCCs are here to stay. Moreover, they are offering some RACGP members high paying and interesting work. 'GPs working in UCCs report a high level of job satisfaction,' Sneha Wadhwani, MBChB, regional clinical director for New South Wales and head of GP Wellbeing at ForHealth, told Medscape Medical News . ForHealth runs 36 Medicare UCCs and is the largest provider of bulk-billed primary care services in Australia. Sneha Wadhwani, MBChB 'The 2 PM to 10 PM shifts really suit me because I'm wanting to work in my other role as associate professor [of urgent care] at the University of the Sunshine Coast,' John Adie, MBChB, PhD, clinical director of the South Brisbane Medicare UCC, told Medscape Medical News . Adie's clinic is located within a general practice and is staffed by one primary care physician and one nurse 7 days per week. Just over half (55%) of presentations at the clinic are for minor infections such as bronchitis or tonsillitis. Around 20% relate to minor injuries, including wounds that can be closed with stitches, glue, or Steri-Strips; fractures; or foreign bodies that can be removed from ears with air suction and from eyes with a slit lamp. 'If you come to us, there's a 97% chance that you will not have to go to the emergency department,' said Adie. John Adie, MBChB, PhD As the Medicare UCCs have become more established, the RACGP's stance seems to have softened. 'We value the work that our members are doing in those clinics, and we're keen to support them,' Michael Wright, MBBS, PhD, president of the RACGP, told Medscape Medical News . Underlying Problems Remain An interim evaluation published in March showed that Medicare UCCs were performing well, with median waiting times of 14.5 minutes. About 46% of patients avoid an emergency department visit by attending a UCC. But the evaluation also showed room for improvement. 'We're keen to work with the government to address some of the problems that have been identified,' said Wright. Michael Wright, MBBS, PhD The Medicare UCCs are substantially cheaper than emergency departments. Each presentation at a UCC costs $246.50 instead of $616 at an emergency department. But this amount is 'more than five times what a GP consult rebate is for a 20-minute consultation,' said Wright. It is difficult to determine the impact of Medicare UCCs on emergency departments without a more rigorous analysis, Henry Cutler, PhD, professor of health economics and director of the Macquarie University Centre for the Health Economy in Sydney, told Medscape Medical News . 'It needs more of an academic approach to evaluate these programs,' he said. Henry Cutler, PhD Medicare UCCs are a 'Band-Aid solution' that does not address the underlying problems that are putting pressure on emergency departments, Charlotte Hespe, MBBS, PhD, the head of General Practice at The University of Notre Dame in Sydney, told Medscape Medical News . The main problem is patients' decision not to see their GP for preventive care and chronic disease management because it is too expensive, she added. Charlotte Hespe, MBBS, PhD Bulk-billing rates are declining because government funding has not kept pace with the costs of running a general practice. Relief seems to be on the way, however, with $7.9 billion being allocated toward supporting general practices to bulk bill starting November 1. Medicare UCCs are offering 'massive hourly rates,' making it 'hard for us to compete for that workforce,' Toby Gardner, MBBS, director of a private UCC in Launceston, told Medscape Medical News . Gardner's clinic lost state government funding after the Medicare UCCs were established. 'It's made it harder for us to remain financially viable,' he said. Toby Gardner, MBBS Despite these setbacks, the private clinic has used its relationships with local pathology and x-ray providers to keep patients out of public hospital emergency departments, which previously had some of the worst waiting times in the country. Another concern about Medicare UCCs is fragmentation of care. 'Only 68% of patient presentations to Medicare UCCs resulted in an electronic discharge summary being sent to the GP,' said Wright. 'Better transitions of care are the key to preventing hospital admissions and readmissions and saving costs.' Wadhwani, Adie, Wright, Cutler, Hespe, and Gardner reported having no relevant financial relationships.
Time Business News
21-05-2025
- Health
- Time Business News
Planning a Medical Centre Fitout That Works for Patients and Professionals
Designing a medical centre fitout goes far beyond aesthetics. It's about building a functional, compliant, and welcoming environment that supports medical professionals and puts patients at ease. Whether you're opening a new clinic or revamping an existing space, a well-planned fitout ensures your facility meets industry standards, optimises workflow, and enhances the patient experience. From layout to lighting, and compliance to comfort, every detail contributes to how your medical practice operates. A poorly designed clinic can lead to patient dissatisfaction, reduced staff productivity, and compliance issues. That's why it's crucial to approach the fitout process with strategic planning and a focus on long-term functionality. Healthcare environments are unique. Unlike commercial offices or retail spaces, a medical centre fitout must accommodate both clinical requirements and human comfort. It needs to balance sterile, efficient spaces for practitioners with warm, approachable zones for patients and families. For instance, reception and waiting areas should be designed to ease anxiety and reduce stress. Natural light, calming colours, and comfortable seating go a long way in making patients feel more relaxed. On the other hand, consulting rooms, treatment areas, and sterilisation zones must prioritise hygiene, privacy, and accessibility. When these areas are carefully thought out, the result is a medical facility that promotes trust, efficiency, and professional credibility. Every medical centre fitout must adhere to specific building codes and healthcare regulations. This includes accessibility standards under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), infection control measures, ventilation guidelines, and proper waste management protocols. Accreditation bodies such as the RACGP (Royal Australian College of General Practitioners) also have standards that your practice must meet if it offers general practice services. These standards often impact the design and layout of spaces like treatment rooms, medication storage, and staff facilities. Working with a fitout specialist who understands healthcare compliance is essential. It ensures that the design doesn't just look good, but functions legally and safely, protecting both patients and your practice from potential liabilities. A successful medical centre fitout considers how practitioners, nurses, and administrative staff move through the space. Every step, from a patient checking in at reception to being seen in a consulting room, should feel seamless. Poor layout choices—like having staff walk across the building to access sterilisation equipment or placing storage in hard-to-reach locations—can slow operations down. On the other hand, a well-thought-out design can reduce wait times, support better record-keeping, and minimise disruptions during consultations. Key design considerations include strategically placed consulting rooms, easy access to shared treatment areas, logical storage placement, and separate pathways for staff and patients where necessary. These elements make daily routines easier for medical professionals and less frustrating for patients. When someone walks into a medical centre, their first impression is shaped by what they see, hear, and feel. A modern, welcoming medical centre fitout helps build patient trust and ease. That begins with a clear signage system, an uncluttered reception area, and a warm colour palette. Noise reduction is another crucial aspect. Acoustic treatments can make a big difference in patient privacy and overall comfort. Nobody wants to overhear private consultations or deal with noisy waiting rooms. Amenities like accessible bathrooms, dedicated children's play zones, or even coffee stations can also leave a positive impression, especially in practices where patients may spend longer waiting or return frequently. Today's medical centres rely heavily on technology—from digital records and online booking systems to diagnostic tools and telehealth platforms. A smart medical centre fitout includes infrastructure that supports these technologies. This could mean installing enough data ports in consulting rooms, ensuring strong Wi-Fi coverage, setting up secure server rooms, and including patient charging stations in the waiting area. Considering future tech upgrades during the fitout phase can save time and costs down the road. It's also worth thinking about how to integrate tech without making the space feel impersonal. Hidden cables, built-in screens, and sleek wall-mounted devices keep everything professional without overwhelming the clinical environment. A successful medical centre fitout is the result of collaboration between you, your staff, and an experienced fitout company. It's important to partner with professionals who understand the nuances of healthcare design, local council requirements, and patient behaviour. Before starting any work, a detailed consultation should take place to assess your current space, future needs, and branding preferences. From here, a reliable fitout company can guide you through planning, permits, construction, and finishing touches. A good fitout partner will also be transparent about timelines, costs, and materials used—ensuring you stay informed every step of the way. A well-executed medical centre fitout does more than improve your physical space. It supports better healthcare delivery, improves staff workflow, ensures compliance, and creates a positive environment for your patients. Whether you're starting fresh or upgrading an old clinic, investing in a thoughtful fitout helps your practice stand out in a competitive healthcare landscape. If you're planning a fitout soon, consider what your space needs to function better today—and be flexible enough to evolve with tomorrow. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
