WA GP clinics are being urged to apply for one-off community health grants of up to $50,000 from the Federal Government.
The WA Primary Health Alliance is encouraging the State’s 700 general practices to take advantage of grants of $25,000, $35,000 or $50,000 being offered as part of the Australian Government’s Strengthening Medicare General Practice Grants Program.
The program, which will open to all eligible WA general practices from Monday April 24, intends to support them to make improvements that make it easier for patients to access a GP and allows clinics to continue to provide high quality, safe and accessible care.
It follows an announcement this week by Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler, who confirmed the Government’s $220 million national investment in general practices over two years.
“After working tirelessly throughout the pandemic, doctors deserve more than thanks, that’s why we’re giving them the resources to invest in their practices,” Mr Butler said.
“The GP grants program is delivering on the Government’s commitment to strengthen Medicare and boost general practice after a decade of cuts and neglect from the former Government.”
Welcome news
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine have welcomed the grants program, saying it will make a real difference.
As the operator of WA’s three Primary Health Networks, WAPHA is administering the grants Program in WA, which is open to every eligible general practice – provided they do the paperwork.
CEO Learne Durrington said it was a significant opportunity to make a substantial impact to enhancing health care access, quality and consistency of care across the State.
“I absolutely encourage all eligible practices to apply for a grant and to do so as soon as possible to ensure maximum time to undertake investment activities,” she said.
“Our online application process is streamlined, secure and is designed to be simple for practices to use. Our team is ready and able to support practices with any queries.”
How to apply
On April 24, WAPHA will email the authorised representative at eligible general practices inviting them to register via its portal ASPIRE – a vital pre-application step before completing the digital grant application form. This follows an initial communication sent to practices earlier this week asking them to confirm their intent to apply.
The grants can be invested in innovation, training, equipment and minor capital works across one of more of the following areas:
- Enhance digital health capability – to fast-track the benefits of a more connected healthcare system in readiness to meet future standards
- Upgrade infection prevention and control arrangements – to ensure infectious respiratory disease (eg COVID, influenza) patients can be safely seen face-to-face
- Maintain and/or achieve accreditation against the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Standards for General Practice, under the General Practice Accreditation Scheme – to promote quality and safety in general practice.
Eligible practices are Medicare general practices and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services that deliver general practice services and are not owned or operated by a state, territory or local government agency or body. Eligible Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services will be able to apply for the grants through the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation.
If a practice is eligible to receive a grant and has not received an email communication from WA Primary Health Alliance, they should contact WAPHA’s Practice Assist team on 1800 2 277 478 or email GPgrants@wapha.org.au.
Grant applications will close on 15 June 2023.
For more information on eligibility, investment streams, how to apply for a grant, and other key program information, visit WAPHA’s Practice Assist website.