Released 22/10/2018
More bulk billing services will soon be available in the growing Molonglo Valley with the National Health Co‑op receiving an ACT Government grant to establish a new GP clinic in Coombs.
Minister for Health and Wellbeing Meegan Fitzharris said a third Bulk Billing General Practices Grant had been awarded to the Co-op for their new clinic in Coombs, making it easier for residents in Molonglo Valley to find a local bulk billing doctor.
“The ACT Government is encouraging more GPs to bulk bill to make it easier for people, particularly those most in need, to find a local doctor who they can rely on,” Minister Fitzharris said.
“The funding that will be provided to the Co-op will help with the establishment and fit-out of the 11‑room clinic in Coombs.
“The new clinic will not only incorporate bulk billing for a visit to the GP, but for other primary healthcare services as well, making it multidisciplinary.
“This grant of $350,000 will have a big impact on the level of local healthcare available for residents in the growing Molonglo Valley.”
Adrian Watts, Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Co-op, said the Co-op was strongly supportive of the ACT Government’s efforts to improve access to bulk billed primary health care services.
“This new clinic in Coombs, funded under this grant, will enable local residents of the growing Molonglo Valley to access affordable health care services much closer to home,” Mr Watts said.
“The new clinic will have space for up to 10 bulk billing GPs as well bulk billing psychologists, dieticians, nurses and other allied health care providers.
“The ACT Government’s investment in the establishment of the new clinic in Coombs recognises the importance of the National Health Co-op as a community-owned provider of affordable health care in the ACT,” Mr Watts said.
Minister Fitzharris said the Bulk Billing Grants Fund is the right incentive to get more clinics and more doctors offering bulk billing to more patients in Canberra’s south.
“We know Canberra has some of the lowest bulk billing rates in the country, particularly in the south of Canberra. This new clinic in Coombs is the third recipient of these grants, following last week’s announcement of two successful grant recipients in Tuggeranong.
“This $1 million total investment in more bulk billing GPs for Canberra’s south delivers on Labor’s election commitment to help more people get access to quality affordable primary healthcare,” Minster Fitzharris said.
- Statement ends -
Meegan Fitzharris, MLA | Media Releases
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