General practice training was hit hard in this week’s Federal Budget announcement despite a pre-election promise of no healthcare cuts, leaving the future general practice workforce in limbo says the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).
The Federal Government confirmed the abolishment of General Practice Education and Training (GPET) and the consolidation of its functions into the Department of Health (DoH). It also announced the cessation of the Prevocational General Practice Placements (PGPPP) Scheme, set to achieve net savings of $115.4 million over four years.
Under the changes, GPET’s policy, program and workforce planning functions will be transferred to the DoH by 31 December 2014. Until this date, GPET will continue to retain management of the Australian General Practice Training Programme (AGPT) and PGPPP Scheme as well as the selection process for an increased 2015 AGPT registrar cohort.
RACGP President, Dr Liz Marles said the Government has risked destabilising general practice training by implementing these measures at a time when Australia is trying to build its primary healthcare workforce
“A training entity with its roots firmly planted within the profession is best placed to build a robust and sustainable general practice workforce through the effective delivery of general practice training.
“The RACGP will engage in discussions with the Federal Health Minister, Hon. Peter Dutton and the DoH to ensure these changes in training arrangements do not affect the quality of general practice training.
“To inform these discussions, I and RACGP CEO, Zena Burgess will be engaging with stakeholders on ways in which the profession can ensure a stable training environment for the future of general practice training.
“Supervisors, medical educators and training directors have long established relationships, experience and skill in facilitating education and their engagement and involvement, alongside the RACGP will guarantee a sustainable general practice workforce equipped to meet community specific needs,” said Dr Marles.
The RACGP is currently responsible for setting the general practice curriculum and vocational standards, accreditation of education providers and administration of the Fellowship of the RACGP (FRACGP) and Fellowship of Advanced Rural General Practice (FARGP); leading to the credentialing of specialist general practitioners.
“The RACGP is committed to the delivery of high quality education and professional development to ensure Australian GPs are in a position to provide the best possible care for patients at a standard deserved and expected by the community.
“The RACGP’s role will continue to be central in setting standards, accreditation and curriculum as well as supporting our Members, new fellows and registrars through the RACGP’s Continuing Professional Development program, events and collegial activities.
“General practice workforce shortages are at a level that warrants urgent strategic Government attention and quality training programs, which are intrinsically linked to the strength of the workforce, must not be compromised.
“It is essential the general practice profession remains at the heart of all training models if we are to ensure all Australians have continued access to high quality, community appropriate and affordable healthcare services,” said Dr Marles.
The RACGP is committed to achieving the best possible health outcomes for all Australians and looks forward to working with the Government in building a robust and viable general practice profession.