World Family Doctor Day acknowledges work of local GPs

This World Family Doctor Day (19 May) Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) is taking the opportunity to acknowledge the efforts of the region’s general practitioners and the role they play in the community.

Acting MPHN Chief Executive Officer Julie Redway said World Family Doctor Day provides a timely reminder of the ongoing availability of medical services in the region.

“Our GPs have been working particularly hard to adopt digital health technologies and practices such as e-prescribing into their workflows so as to provide a wider range of services to their patients,” Ms Redway said.

“We’ve also seen a number of local GPs serve their communities throughout the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, either through the provision of telehealth services to ensure regular health care continues safely, and more recently, joining the National Vaccination Rollout efforts.

“I am sure there are many people in the community across the entire Murrumbidgee region who would join me in thanking their local GP for their dedication, diligence and commitment in what has been challenging times,” she said.

MPHN’s Board Chair Dr Jodi Culbert said for her and her colleagues, providing primary healthcare to their patients is a rewarding privilege.

“In regional, rural and remote communities general practitioners continue to play a vital and unique role in primary healthcare, and in what is more uncommon for our city colleagues, we are privileged to be able support families through all stages of life,” Dr Culbert said.

“To mark World Family Doctor day, I would especially like to see our rural generalist GP colleagues be recognised and appreciated for the special work that they do, using their extended skills both in their practices and local hospitals to look after the health of their communities.”