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As we collectively continue to support the management of COVID-19 positive patients in our community, it has been clear that despite best intentions we have all experienced many difficulties with the systems that were in place as Omicron rapidly spread during the Christmas and New Year period. To be clear, this was not planned, but has occurred because of the dramatic increase in COVID-19 numbers overwhelming systems designed for a soft start with a peak in May.
The perfect storm of Omicron, open borders, reduced capacity across the whole health care system and increasing mandate for booster plus paediatric vaccination has been a part of this challenge. On top of these whole of health factors there is the significant primary care efforts in managing mental health, chronic disease management, screening activities and more recently absenteeism as GPs and their staff require time off with COVID-19.
While the original plan only had GPs managing low risk COVID-19 positive patients through an opt in model, Queensland Health in consultation with key stakeholders including primary care peaks, PHNs and consumers have finalised and released the model of care for managing COVID-19 positive patients in the community.
For many patients GPs, being a trusted health care provider, will remain the entry point for health advice as the result of a PCR test or RAT.
At GCPHN we understand the challenges general practice has and continues to experience and will continue to advocate for primary care with our wise partners (GPGC, AMAQ, the Colleges and others) at both a State and local level. Ultimately practices will need to consider how they continue to respond to the ongoing situation and have safety net alternatives if a timely consultation cannot be provided.
As always, we encourage primary care providers to follow updates that are currently occurring daily, and to reach out for assistance, our team will provide whatever information they can and will aim to support your efforts.
Roger Halliwell
Chair, GCPHN
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