GPs assisting in disaster-affected communities

GPs wishing to provide support in impacted areas should contact their local Primary Health Network who will link them with the relevant local agency.

GPs providing voluntary services (i.e., at an evacuation centre) do so independent from the practice they typically work from. This means that the GP would therefore not be covered under their normal practice’s policy.

Provided GPs work within the limits of their skills and experience when providing services - paid or voluntary - in an evacuation centre, they should be covered by their individual medical indemnity insurance policy (subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions in the policies).

It is recommended that all GPs providing services outside of their typical work setting confirm the details of their medical indemnity insurance policy in advance, including coverage when considering providing voluntary services.

GPs typically need a provider number for each location they work from. However, arrangements are in place to expedite access to provider numbers for GPs who are registered at locations outside of disaster-affected areas and who wish to support provision of care in a disaster-affected area (including at an evacuation centre or an existing medical practice).

Evacuation centres become temporary critical infrastructure during some emergencies and disasters, aiming to provide access to medical care for evacuees. GPs and their teams can play a vital role in providing that care.

GP engagement in evacuation centres will normally be facilitated via PHNs. If your practice’s GPs are prepared and able to work in an evacuation centre, they and other practice team members should declare their interest to your local PHN before a disaster or emergency occurs.

Although each PHN will have a different process for engaging and preparing GPs, they will typically create a volunteer register that will be used when an evacuation is required. The GP register allows for appropriate planning and training to occur before an evacuation centre is activated.

It is important that GPs only provide their services in evacuation centres in scenarios where their support is not required at their usual practice or another practice that their usual practice is collaborating with.  Keeping your practice operational during an emergency needs to remain a priority.