Review of after hours primary health care

This review considered the most appropriate and effective delivery mechanisms to support ongoing after hours primary health care services nationally.

Page last updated: 02 July 2015

Page last reviewed: 01 July 2015

Review of after hours primary health care (Word 590 KB)

Review of after hours primary health care (PDF 862 KB)

The review report provided 13 recommendations for consideration by Government. The review recommended the redirection of after hours funding to:

  • a new Practice Incentives Programme After Hours Incentive, and
  • Primary Health Networks, which will work with key stakeholders to plan, coordinate and support population based after hours health services, focusing on addressing gaps in after hours service provision, 'at risk' populations and improved service integration.
The review also recommended that the after hours GP helpline should not continue in its previous form.

As a result, a new after hours GP advice and support line has been made available from 1 July 2015 to better support all Australians who do not have access to face to face GP services in the after hours period.