Inclusive funding key to improve health and wellbeing for Australians with disability

Access to more funding for essential GP care is key to improve health and wellbeing for Australians with disability, says the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP). 

The call comes on International Day of People with Disability, 3 December. 

RACGP President Michael Wright said: “GPs play an important role in providing care for people with disabilities – the trusted relationship patients have with their GP often starts before diagnosis and goes through their entire journey, as we help people navigate the complexity in their lives and in our health system.    

“In Australia, 1 in 6 people experience significant disability. We can and should do more to improve their health and wellbeing. 

“The government must ensure general practice care is accessible and affordable. Most importantly we need more funding for the longer appointments that people with disability and complex health issues need. 

“GPs coordinate care for their patients making sure they get the right care at the right time from other specialists, allied health and support services. GPs also spend a lot of time on administrative paperwork and reports for the NDIS - often unpaid. 

“GP care needs to be better supported by government funding so people with disabilities can get high-quality care and live their best lives.” 

Dr Melita Cullen is a Queensland GP living with autism and dyslexia and sees many patients with disability. 

“GPs with disabilities are perfectly placed to advocate in their communities and with decision makers. We know that a person’s disability affects every area of their lives and have insight into the challenges our patients face.  

“I love working with my patients, but we need better funding to reduce the barriers for patients with disabilities. The financial barriers my patients face, and low government funding for longer consultations, means they need to see me more frequently, which costs them in time, transport and carers who need to attend too.  

“In order to provide optimal care for people with disabilities we need more inclusive funding strategies, including more funding for longer consults, non-face-to-face patient care and longer telephone consultations which ensure access for people with mobility issues. 

“This is key to reduce the barriers to essential GP care for people with disability and improve their health and wellbeing.”