GP after-hours telehealth pilot for local communities

Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) is piloting a new telehealth program to increase access to GP care after hours.

Following an initial needs analysis and service design process in 2021-22, a GP telehealth model was identified to pilot in communities that were experiencing difficulties accessing after-hours GP services.

The GP telehealth after-hours service, delivered by HealthAccess, recently commenced across the communities of Griffith and surrounding Murrumbidgee and Carrathool shires, Leeton Shire, Finley, Berrigan, Deniliquin, and surrounding Berrigan and Edward River shires. The service is available by calling 1800 272 767, and operates weeknights between 6pm and 10pm, and weekends and public holidays between 12pm and 4pm.

Uptake of the service has been increasing, with positive feedback from both patients and local general practitioners.

Integration and Partnerships Executive Narelle Mills said MPHN was closely monitoring the pilot project to identify outcomes for both the community and general practices across the pilot areas.

“The service is available to community members and residential aged care facilities within the pilot locations, with patients accessing the service able to request their care information be provided to their regular GP to ensure continuity of their care,” Ms Mills said.

In 2022 MPHN undertook the codesign of regional pilot models focusing on a small number of communities identified as needing increased access to after-hours services. Pilot locations for the services were identified as having limited or no after-hours GP service, a reliance on hospital and emergency GP rosters, transport issues requiring ambulance callouts, and other barriers to access such as health literacy, workforce, and affordability.

The pilot program will run until 31 December 2023.

“During this time, we will closely monitor the uptake of the program and consider options to extend the service, including potential expansion to additional locations,” Ms Mills said.

For more information, visit mphn.org.au/health-access