MEDIA RELEASE
Diabetes patients will get better care and better health under proposed changes.
Fewer local residents will be hospitalised or suffer the debilitating consequences of severe diabetes as a result of the Prime Minister's plan to fight diabetes through general practice, says Ms Kristin Michaels, Eastern Ranges GP Association (ERGPA) CEO.
The Prime Minister today announced an investment of $436 million to combat diabetes through voluntary enrolment of patients, additional funding to support patients to access a variety of health providers and incentives to doctors for improving patient health outcomes.
"We have known for some time that the diabetes situation in Eastern Ranges has been getting worse but our general practices had their hands somewhat tied, today's announcement is going to help strengthen the great support general practice provides to people living with diabetes," said Ms Michaels.
She added that General Practitioners (GPs) need additional tools like voluntary enrolment to help turn around the diabetes situation of the Eastern Ranges. The Prime Minister's investment will mean patients can see the right provider, at the right time and at the right cost - and stay healthy.
Ms Michaels said that voluntary enrolment will allow GPs to give a more structured form of care which would be based around the patients needs.
"Now when a person living with diabetes voluntarily registers with their preferred general practice they will have access to a whole range of medical providers like Practice Nurses and podiatrists, making the care of a person's diabetes so much easier," said Dr Inness, ERGPA Chair.
Eastern Ranges GP Association's Lifestyle Modification Program aims to prevent the onset of type II diabetes by providing people with information about nutrition, physical activity, behavioural strategies and local community resources.
Since the introduction of the program in May 2009 participants have recorded successes, with significant reductions in Body Mass Index, waist measurements and improvements in their knowledge of healthy eating and physical activity. Results from our most recent programs have shown an average weight loss of 9% and an average waist measurement reduction of 11.5%.
Ms Michaels added that today's announcement was a step in the right direction for chronic disease and diabetes management and encouraged GPs in the Eastern Ranges to support it.
"The model we work under now encourages activity-based medicine, this new model is outcomes focused, there is nothing to fear in supporting a model we know will improve patient health - we encourage evaluation of the program to prove its success," said Dr Inness
CONTACT: Kristin Michaels, CEO, Ph: 9871 1000
ISSUED: 31 March 2010