Analysed Data

The Advocate’s office analysed all the data received and identified a range of themes and trends:

• The pathway to becoming a GP is a long and sometimes confusing path
• Recruitment and retention of doctors is a significant issue
• Many General practices are not publicly funded, they are small businesses and they need to be viable
• Currently many doctors working in Latrobe travel daily from inner Melbourne to work.
• There are limited after hours or weekend services available which puts additional pressure on emergency departments
• Many new doctors have different needs, preferring part time and job share arrangements
• There have been significant changes to the design and delivery of GP services, communities haven’t been involved in the change and their expectations are not being met.
• A future approach is a multidisciplinary approach; nurse practitioners, practice nurses, specialist nurses and pharmacies