DOHAC Review of after-hours primary care

The Australian Department of Health and Aged Care is undertaking a review of after hours primary care policies and programs. The Review will consider the need for primary care after hours services, the current state of after hours service provision and successful models of primary care after hours service provision.

In late 2023 the department commenced a review of after-hours primary care policies and programs. The After Hours Review builds on several recent reforms and initiatives including the recommendations of the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce, the development of the 10 Year Primary Health Care Plan, and widespread changes to after-hours services arising from the COVID pandemic. Following a period of data and evidence analysis, the Review is now in its consultation phase, and the department has released a survey and discussion paper on the Consultation Hub.

This consultation process is open to the general public, however input is sought especially from primary care providers, including practice owners and managers, general practitioners, non-vocational doctors, nurses and nurse practitioners, allied health practitioners, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers, Primary Health Networks and others working in primary care. Input is sought from those who currently provide after hours services, as well as those who do not.

You can participate in this consultation either by completing the survey and / or by providing a written submission. You will have an opportunity to upload a written submission at the end of the survey. If you wish to provide a written submission without completing the survey, you can email your written submission to afterhours@allenandclarke.com.au.

The survey closes 20 April 2024.