Overview: A Stand for General Practice in Western Australia
A delegation of seven Western Australian general practitioners (GPs) representing the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) is heading to the WA Parliament with a practical, patient-centered plan to relieve hospitals at a time of mounting pressure. Their pitch centers on empowering general practice to act as the frontline solution for the health system’s bottlenecks, especially ambulance ramping and unnecessary hospitalisations.
The Four Key Measures to Strengthen Primary Care
The RACGP WA delegation outlined four concrete policies designed to improve access to general practice, reduce hospital load, and protect patients’ finances. These measures are framed as targeted, achievable investments rather than broad reform programs.
1) Reduce Readmissions with Timely GP Follow-Ups
Evidence cited by the GPs shows that a prompt GP consultation within a week of an unplanned hospital discharge can cut readmissions by up to 32%. The goal is to ensure continuity of care and prevent deterioration that leads to return visits. By encouraging patients to see a GP who knows their history after discharge, the system can keep hospital demand more manageable and improve outcomes for patients and families.
2) Expand After-Hours Access to Non-Urgent Care
The GPs called for funding to cover extra costs associated with keeping practices open after hours. With additional staffing and resources, more Western Australians could access non-urgent, routine care when they need it, reducing the need for emergency department presentations that strain hospitals and escalate costs.
3) Make Lifesaving Vaccines Free
Free access to RSV and Meningococcal B vaccines is proposed to save lives and reduce downstream healthcare costs. The proposal argues that vaccine cost barriers contribute to higher disease burden, and that broader vaccination programs could curb hospitalisations and complications associated with these infections.
4) Appoint a Chief GP Advisor
To bridge gaps between hospital and primary care, the delegation recommends appointing a Chief GP Advisor. This role would help align state health policy with practical primary care delivery, improving collaboration, reducing silos, and guiding system-wide improvements that lower unnecessary admissions and readmissions.
Leadership and Rationale
RACGP WA Chair and Vice President Dr Ramya Raman underscored that GPs are not a substitute for hospital care, but a critical, cost-effective partner in a better-functioning health system. “There are issues across the health system, but with relatively small investments, WA’s GPs can alleviate a lot of the challenges in our hospitals,” she said. The message is clear: stronger primary care capabilities can free hospital capacity and reduce patient stress without crippling budgets.
Ambulance Ramping and Readmission Realities
Ambulance ramping has been a persistent issue in WA, with data showing long wait times for patients arriving at hospitals by ambulance and substantial hours of ramping in recent months. The GPs argue that improving post-discharge care and after-hours access would ease the volume of cases entering emergency departments, enabling hospitals to prioritize genuinely urgent care.
Cost, Access, and the Path Forward
The GPs emphasise that the proposed measures are affordable with targeted funding and administrative support. They also highlight the current policy split—hospitals managed by state governments and primary care by the federal system—as a barrier to cohesive, patient-centred care. A Chief GP Advisor could serve as a linchpin for better coordination, ensuring that patients get the right care at the right time.
Conclusion: GPs as Partners in a More Efficient System
The WA GPs’ delegation frames their role as critical partners in reducing hospital load, improving patient outcomes, and delivering practical, scalable improvements. If politicians adopt these measures, Western Australians could experience more accessible primary care, fewer avoidable hospital visits, and a more resilient health system overall.
