Grants are now available for general practices to make improvements to their operations and provide better, safer and more accessible quality care to their patients.
Murray PHN, which covers most of northern Victoria, will have $5.3 million in grant funding to distribute across the region, based on Commonwealth guidelines of a practice’s size and its accreditation status.
Smaller accredited practices will be eligible for grants of $25,000 or $35,000, with larger accredited practices eligible for $50,000. Other practices that are not accredited are eligible for only $25,000.
The one-off grants will allow practices to invest in training, equipment, minor capital works and other areas to enhance their digital health capability.
The grants are part of the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthen Medicare, in response to recommendations made by the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce.
The taskforce released its report in February and highlighted several areas that needed improvement, including the modernisation of digital health systems.
Murray PHN chief executive Matt Jones said primary health networks had a key role in supporting the taskforce recommendations and distributing the grants.
“These grants are just the beginning of this process and I encourage all eligible general practices to take up this opportunity straight away,” he said.
“Once a practice’s eligibility is confirmed, these funds can quickly be put to use in expanding even more quality primary health care in our region.”
Grant applications are open until June 15. Interested practices can learn more by visiting murrayphn.org.au/gpgrants