Funding to trial integrated care model in WA

Non-profit organisation GP Down South Limited will receive $1.8 million funding from the federal government to develop and trial a model of integrated care that is patient-centred and improves access for rural Australians, especially for people living with chronic conditions.

The trial in the Warren-Blackwood region of Western Australia (WA) has received funding under the Innovative Models of Care (IMOC) grants program.

As part of this trial, a clinical care team will set up a walk-in centre to assess patients, develop treatment plans that best suit their needs, and connect them with local GPs and other support services.

The walk-in centre is expected to help take the pressure off hospital emergency departments by giving locals another option to receive care.

The Warren-Blackwood project, which includes the shires of Bridgetown-Greenbushes, Boyup Brook, Manjimup and Nannup, is one of the first trials under the program outside NSW.

The government will provide an extra $35 million to expand the IMOC program and trial a broader set of innovative models to address health workforce shortages and improve patient outcomes in rural and remote Australia.

Assistant Minister Emma McBride MP said, “The Innovative Models of Care program is designed to support local solutions to workforce shortages and improve patient care for people living in rural and regional Australia.

“This trial will help both patients and health practitioners in the Warren Blackwood region to deliver the best healthcare for their community.”

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