The communities of Bremer Bay and Jerramungup will soon benefit from increased support to GP services as a result of the expansion of the $565million Southern Inland Health Initiative (SIHI).
SIHI makes financial incentives available to general practitioners working in the catchment area, to enhance the attractiveness and viability of running a medical practice in regional and remote locations and supporting emergency services in district hospitals.
During a visit to Jerramungup last week, Health Minister Kim Hames announced the expansion of the SIHI incentives, which are funded through the State Government's Royalties for Regions program.
"Reliable, ongoing medical services are the lifeblood of regional and remote towns, but it is increasingly difficult for some small communities to attract and retain their doctors," Dr Hames said.
"The State Government, through SIHI, has made a significant investment in enhancing the attractiveness and viability of practicing medicine in small communities.
"We anticipate that the expansion of the SIHI incentives to Bremer Bay and Jerramungup, will support the towns to maintain or expand their current GP services, which will result in better health services for the community."
Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said people living in the SIHI catchment area now had access to regular, reliable GP services.
"More than 90 GPs across the southern inland area of the State are now receiving incentives, and 41 additional GPs have been attracted to the catchment since SIHI commenced in 2011," Mr Redman said.
"Through this Royalties for Regions investment, people in these communities can now get the medical care they need in their own town, with far greater ease."
Fact File
The Southern Inland Health Initiative is the biggest health investment in the southern inland catchment of WA. Under the State Government's Royalties for Regions program, $565million has been allocated to boost regional infrastructure, introduce new health solutions and put private GPs back into country towns
In addition to the financial incentives available for GPs, a significant investment is being made into delivering better emergency care, expanding the use of Telehealth, introducing a range of primary health services, finding new solutions for aged care and capital upgrades of hospitals and nursing posts across the catchment
SIHI is part of the bigger picture in health. Find out more at http://getthebiggerpicture.health.wa.gov.au/
Health Minister's office - 6552 5300
Regional Development Minister's office - 6552 6700
