Homelessness Week: Investing in general practice will improve health outcomes

The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) is marking this year’s Homelessness Week (3–9 August) by calling for stronger investment in general practice to improve the health of Australians experiencing homelessness. 

This year's theme, “Homelessness Action Now”, highlights the need for governments to act on proven solutions. 

RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said homelessness is both a social and health issue. 

“People experiencing homelessness face some of the greatest health inequities in Australia,” he said. 

“General practice has a critical role in improving these health outcomes, as GPs are often one of the few consistent and trusted professionals in the lives of people experiencing homelessness. Through continuity of care, they support patients with complex physical and mental health conditions, coordinate care across multiple services, and help people navigate health and social support systems.” 

The RACGP is calling for primary care funding and policy settings that better reflect the complexity of this work, including: 

• enhanced Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) funding for people experiencing homelessness 

• dedicated MBS items or loadings that recognise homelessness and housing insecurity as markers of clinical complexity 

• increased support for longer consultations 

• funding for multidisciplinary care teams, including nurses, social workers, care coordinators and allied health professionals 

• models that support outreach and integrated care for vulnerable populations. 

“People experiencing homelessness often need more time, care coordination and ongoing support than current funding arrangements recognise,” Dr Wright said. 

The College also stressed that while urgent care clinics have an important role in treating immediate health needs, they are not a substitute for the continuity of care provided by a regular GP. 

The RACGP said improving health outcomes also requires action on the broader social determinants of health, including food security and community participation. 

“Everyone deserves access to safe housing and high-quality healthcare. 

“By strengthening primary care and addressing the social determinants of health, Australia can build a more equitable healthcare system and improve outcomes for people experiencing homelessness.” 

~ENDS