Improving care is the common goal

Corryong Health welcomed community members to its first public Town Hall meeting last week which provided the opportunity to submit questions regarding the health service and hear directly from board directors and the interim CEO, Nicole Martin.

“As part of Corryong Health’s strategy to improve communication and promote open and honest information sharing, we developed the Town Hall meeting,” Nicole explained.

“Submit questions in advance ensured that the executive was able to prepare and answer these questions with accurate and detailed information.”

Q&A:

1. This is the busiest time of the year with flu and Covid still present and yet there are not enough doctors. Who is responsible for organising this and why hasn’t it been?

2. Why isn’t there a more competent CEO to make sure the hospital functions properly?

The question consisting of two parts was responded to by Nicole and board director, Ian Cesa.

Nicole discussed that while Corryong Health budgeted full time equivalent (FTE) for GPs is 2.5, the service has consistently operated at 2.8 from January 1st to July 1st, 2023.

“This is currently made up of two onsite GPs and a suite of rotational and new locums,” she said.

“Corryong Health’s GP FTE is above the National Benchmark of 2 FTE suggested for a catchment of this size.”

From January to July 2023, Corryong Health offered 7,744 medical appointments, 7,411 were seen, 126 unfilled and 207 were not attended.

“I’m happy to report that through increased immunisation clinics, including one weekend half day there is currently zero-waiting list for Covid and medium-high priority flu immunisations,” Nicole said.

There is a collective effort led by the Corryong Health Executive, Director of medical Services, Practice Co-ordinator and Dr Michael Clark to look at longer term prospects to maintain the GP FTE. maintenance.

“Australian Medical Association (AMA) reports that the country will face a shortage of more than 10,600 GPs by 2031-32.

“The supply of GPs is not keeping up with the growing demand,” Nicole added.

In response to the second question, Ian Cesa explained that the clear preference of the board was that Nicole Martin take on the interim role during the search for a new permanent CEO.

“We have full confidence in Nic to carry out this role and her performance as interim CEO has vindicated that confidence,” Ian said.

“In addition to the performance that we see on a regular basis, Nic has formal qualifications that make her suitable to be permanent CEO of Corryong Health, not only the interim CEO. She has more than 24 years of experience in management roles in health care and 18 years at the management and executive level.

“On top of that, she understands Corryong Health and the community better as she has been there for 13 years. She grew up in Corryong and is heavily invested in the community.”

Ian also outlined the different ways of providing feedback, including the drop-boxes around the health service and community and an electronic form on the Corryong Health website.

“If your feedback is relevant to the board, you can be sure that we will see it,” Ian said. “It is important that your feedback is specific with respect to time, place, circumstances so that we may confirm, follow-up and take action, if necessary. General comments that involve personal attacks are not helpful and will not be responded to.”

3. Why doesn’t the hospital have scanning such as x-rays available every day as this would benefit the wider community (seven days per week service)? Why not train or employ an extra person to make this department available every day?

“Corryong Health’s x-ray service is non-funded,” Nicole explained, “so our radiographer works three days per week with flexibility to work additional hours if the GP determines urgency.

“After hours demand is unpredictable and involves very few patients. Our radiographer has been available on call for the 19.5 years worked at Corryong Health and is confident that the current numbers show that the service is on par with demand.

“It is also worth noting that like all health roles, there is a national shortage of radiographers.”

4. Why are clinic nurses being de-skilled, having to wait for a doctor to squeeze a review in for baby/children’s vaccinations?

Complete waste of doctor/patient time when our nurses have their immunisation cards to vaccinate with the need for a doctor to review.

“Having a GP review is best practice in all medical clinics, as it reduces clinical risk, allows nurses to feel supported by our GPs and ensures patients are receiving correct care and support,” Nicole responded.

“Practice Nurses are not funded and the financial benefit of having a GP pop-in allows for the appointment to be a Medicare claimable item to help cover costs and ensure sustainability of the heath service, with no increased out of pocket expenses for the patient.

Nicole concluded the meeting by reminding the community that improving health care quality is everyone’s responsibility.

Corryong Health plans to hold another community Town Hall meeting in mid-October.

Further updates will also be printed in the Corryong Courier and on the Corryong Health Facebook page.

This article appeared in the Corryong Courier, 24 August 2023.