Gippsland’s two Priority Primary Care Centres (PPCC) have treated 20,320 patients since opening in January this year, helping reduce pressure on hospital emergency departments.
The Victorian Government, in collaboration with Gippsland Primary Health Network, funded two PPCCs in Gippsland – the Latrobe PPCC in Moe and the Baw Baw PPCC in Warragul – to relieve the pressure on emergency departments at Latrobe Regional Health (LRH) and West Gippsland Healthcare Group (WGHG).
The GP-led clinics provide care for people with conditions that require urgent attention but not an emergency response.
Gippsland PHN Acting Chief Executive Officer, Angela Jacob, said 3454 survey responses from patients indicated the service met their needs, particularly in the after-hours periods.
“They are proving a success in leaving the emergency departments for those who really need them,” Mrs Jacob said.
“From the feedback surveys we get, we know the majority of people using the PPCCs are happy with the convenience and ease of access,” Mrs Jacob said. “This is a great example of collaboration and cooperation, and patients are the beneficiaries.”