Our work continues….

An action plan has been developed based on community voice, systems insights and a community and stakeholder workshop. This plan has been tested for appropriateness and updated to best reflect current and future opportunities for change.

For each action a systems lead has been identified, and consideration given to the level of resources, enablers or further work that may be required to bring about change.

In July, the Advocate hosted a workshop with selected stakeholders to finalise the action plan prior to sharing it with the Victorian Minister for Health, Commonwealth officials and the broader community.

In reviewing the draft action plan in preparation for the July workshop, stakeholders were invited to consider the following questions;

● How do these actions relate to existing work and priorities?

● What will enable these actions to be implemented?

● What resources already exist to implement and what additional resources might be required?

● What evidence or research do we have and what more might we need to inform implementation?

● What is the contribution your organisation can make to this plan? What actions will you lead? Where will you partner with others?

The workshop was an opportunity to discuss this in greater detail with the purpose of working towards the final plan and collective commitment to action.  For each action a systems lead was identified, and consideration given to the level of resources, enablers or further work that may be required to bring about change.

The collaborative action plan, which demonstrates a shared commitment to improving access to GPs, was released in September 2020.  This action plan has been developed based on community voice, systems insights and community and stakeholder workshops.  It has been informed by my engagement with communities and GPs.

The development of the plan has been coordinated by my office and actions within the plan have been drafted and reviewed by a wide range of stakeholders and lead agencies.   Everyone that contributed to this plan is committed to achieving better health and wellbeing outcomes for Latrobe communities, improving the training and accreditation pathways and working conditions for GPs. This plan reflects the goodwill and spirit of cooperation of local doctors, communities, health services, peak bodies, universities, training providers and all levels of government.

This plan is future focused. It will take some time for people in Latrobe to experience change. There are four key areas for action that focus on; GP training and accreditation; supporting GPs to live and work in Latrobe; building skills and promoting good health within Latrobe communities; and, designing primary health care services and emergency departments for the future. 

Pleasingly, work is already underway in a number of areas. And, despite the overwhelming impact of COVID-19, this worldwide disruption has led to rapid changes in the ways people can access a GP and there is a significant uptake in the use of digital health resources and technologies that can connect communities and health services.

The Victorian Government has designated the Latrobe local government area as a Health Innovation Zone and the conditions exist to bring together all levels of government with communities and services to tackle this complex problem. There is an opportunity in Latrobe to bring about long-term systemic change that takes communities and primary healthcare services towards a future where communities are enjoying better health outcomes as a result of improved access to GPs and other health professionals.  

To view the Action Plan Click here