Finding an after-hours GP made easy

A campaign to raise awareness about the after-hours general practitioner (GP) services available to West Australians will kick off its second year this week.

  • More than 50 after-hours clinics featured in second year of campaign

  • Developed by WA Department of Health

A campaign to raise awareness about the after-hours general practitioner (GP) services available to West Australians will kick off its second year this week.

Health Minister Kim Hames said the Department of Health campaign was designed to support patients who needed to see a doctor outside regular business hours.

It featured an interactive iPhone app which allowed people to search for, get directions to, and call for an appointment at their nearest available after-hours GP clinic.

People without an iPhone could get the contact details and locations of their nearest clinic by calling healthdirect Australia 1800 022 222 or visiting WA Health or White Pages online; and using any mobile phone with an internet connection.

Dr Hames said there were now 53 after-hours clinics taking part across the State - including 38 in the Perth metropolitan area, two locum services, and 13 in regional WA.

More than 12,300 people had downloaded the app since its launch last year.

The Minister said it was important that all West Australians knew what GP services were open outside normal business hours.

"This will help people know what to do and who to contact when their own doctor is not available, depending on their medical needs," he said.

The State-wide campaign, which started on April 29, will feature digital, press and outdoor advertisements and highlights the ease of finding an after-hours clinic.

It is funded within the After Hours General Practice Program - a State Government commitment of $8.4million over four years to encourage GPs to extend their opening hours to include weeknights and weekends.

Dr Hames said any GP service which opened before 8am and after 6pm weekdays; before 8am and after 12pm Saturdays; and any time on Sundays and public holidays was free to join the campaign.

Any after-hours GP service that would like to be included in the campaign should contact the Department of Health on 9222 6430.

      Fact File

  • To download the app, visit the iTunes App Store and search for GP after-hours

  • Clinic locations and opening times are also available at http://www.health.wa.gov.au

Minister's office - 6552 5300