LNP Candidate for Bowman, Henry Pike, says that the establishment of telehealth as a permanent feature of Australia’s primary health care system is a big win for Redland residents.
Mr Pike said that Redlanders have embraced telehealth services, which have been transformational to health care delivery for those who find it difficult to get to their doctor.
“Since the start of the pandemic there have been 469,942 telehealth services delivered across the Redlands,” Mr Pike said.
“Locals have found telehealth extremely convenient through the pandemic period and are pleased that it is now going to be a permanent fixture of our health system.”
“Telehealth is a particularly good solution for those living on the Redlands’ islands or those local residents who are too frail to travel easily.”
The Federal Liberal and Nationals Government has announced that they are investing $106 million over four years to support permanent telehealth services, ensuring greater flexibility to patients and doctors for the delivery of health care; allowing GPs, specialists, and allied health professionals to continue to consult with their regular patients by phone or online.
The telehealth funding is part of a wider $308.6 million investment to strengthen Australia’s primary care health system.
“As the first point of contact for most Australians, our primary health care system is the front line for patients and their families, managing complex and chronic health conditions and reducing demand on specialist services and emergency departments,” Mr Pike said.
“Creating more flexibility to health care is a key priority for the Liberal and Nationals Government and will lead to stronger patient outcomes for Redland residents.”
Since early March 2020, more than 86.3 million COVID-19 MBS telehealth services have been delivered across Australia to 16.1 million patients, with $4.4 billion in Medicare benefits paid. More than 89,000 providers have used telehealth services.