The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) has welcomed the Victorian Government’s commitment to secure the future of cohealth’s Collingwood site while delivering new social housing for vulnerable Victorians.
RACGP Victoria Co-deputy Chair Dr Emmanuel Anthony said the announcement recognised the critical connection between safe housing and good health outcomes.
“Access to quality healthcare and stable housing are both fundamental to a healthier community. We’re pleased to see a commitment to preserving cohealth’s important health services in Collingwood while also delivering much-needed social housing for Victorians experiencing housing stress,” he said.
“General practice plays a vital role in keeping people healthy and out of hospital, particularly those facing disadvantage. Community health services such as cohealth complement the work of local GPs by providing integrated care, including nursing, allied health and mental health support.”
Dr Anthony said the College was particularly encouraged that the redevelopment would allow cohealth to continue serving some of Melbourne’s most vulnerable residents.
“The people who rely on these services often have complex healthcare needs and face significant barriers to accessing care. Ensuring continuity of services for First Nations peoples, older Victorians, people experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable groups is essential,” he said.
“We know that housing insecurity and poor health are closely linked. Expanding social housing while maintaining access to healthcare services is a positive step that can help improve both health and wellbeing outcomes for the community.”
The RACGP said investment in community-based healthcare and housing infrastructure was critical to building healthier communities and reducing demand on hospitals and emergency departments.
“Victoria’s GPs see every day how social determinants such as housing affect people’s health. Efforts that bring together healthcare, social support and secure housing can make a meaningful difference to people’s lives.
“Victorians know that it is becoming harder and more costly to see a doctor and get treatment – that is why we are calling on the next state Government to back our election platform to improve access to care and ensure high-quality GP care is there, close to home, for future Victorians.”
In the lead up to the Victorian election, the RACGP is calling on all parties to assist Victorians with sensible healthcare reforms, including:
- the removal of payroll tax on GPs to ensure clinics remain viable and open for patients in the face of rising costs
- funding the cost of medicines for children in foster and kinship care to ensure some of the most vulnerable Victorians get the treatment they need
- scaling incentives and mentorship support for GPs who provide medication assisted treatment of opioid dependence to save lives and reduce pressure on the broader health system
- reinstating the Chief General Practice Adviser position to ensure general practice expertise is represented within government and health system decision making.
~
