To support general practices to make it easier for patients to access a GP and to continue to provide high quality, safe and accessible care, the Strengthening Medicare – General Practice (GP) Grants Program is now open to all eligible* Western Australian (WA) general practices.
One-off grants of $25,000, $35,000 or $50,000 can be invested in innovation, training, equipment and minor capital works across one of more of the following areas:
- Enhance digital health capability – to fast-track the benefits of a more connected healthcare system in readiness to meet future standards
- Upgrade infection prevention and control arrangements – to ensure infectious respiratory disease (e.g., COVID, influenza) patients can be safely seen face-to-face
- Maintain and/or achieve accreditation against the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Standards for General Practice, under the General Practice Accreditation Scheme – to promote quality and safety in general practice.
As the operator of WA’s three Primary Health Networks WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA) is administering the grants program in WA.
WAPHA CEO Learne Durrington said with the grants being available to more than 700 eligible general practices in WA, it is a significant opportunity to make a substantial impact to enhancing health care access, quality and consistency of care across our State.
“I absolutely encourage all eligible practices to apply for a grant and to do so as soon as possible to ensure maximum time to undertake investment activities.
“Our online application process is streamlined, secure and is designed to be simple for practices to use. Our team is ready and able to support practices with any queries.”
Authorised representatives at eligible general practices should have received an email for WAPHA on Monday 24 April inviting them to register via the ASPIRE portal – a vital pre-application step before completing the digital grant application form.
If your practice is eligible to receive a grant and has not yet received an email communication from WAPHA, contact the Practice Assist team on 1800 2 277 478 or email GPgrants@wapha.org.au.
Grant applications opened on Monday 24 April. and will close on 15 June 2023.
Read Overview of the Program and Fact Sheet or visit Practice Assist for more information.
*Medicare general practices, and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services that deliver general practice services and are not owned or operated by a state, territory or local government agency or body. Please note eligible Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services will be able to apply for the grants through the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation.