The Albanese Labor Government’s $28.7 million investment in saving the Hunter’s GP Access After Hours service has delivered improved access to health care for people in our community.
In the 12 months since the hours at the Belmont clinic were restored, the number of visits to that clinic have increased from 7,884 in FY23 to 8,557 in FY24.
This increased demand is reflected across the rest of the Hunter’s clinics, with a total of 43,224 visits to all GP Access After Hours clinics in FY24 compared to 34,276 in FY23.
There’s also been more calls to the GP Access After Hours’ phone line, increasing from 53,591 in FY23 to 57,365 in FY24.
The Liberals’ disgraceful decision to cut funding for the Hunter’s GP Access After Hours clinics in 2021 never made sense.
It is clear that there is a significant demand for this service which provides quality care to patients and reduces pressure on local hospitals.
Whether it’s saving the Hunter’s GP Access After Hours service, investing in Medicare Urgent Care Clinics, or expanding the number of GPs who can practice here, the Albanese Labor Government is working hard to improve the health outcomes of people in our community.