WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA) CEO Learne Durrington is encouraging Western Australia’s more than 700 general practices to take advantage of one-off grants of $25,000, $35,000 or $50,000 being offered as part of the Australian Government’s Strengthening Medicare – General Practice Grants Program.
This follows an announcement by the Minister for Health and Aged Care which confirmed the Government’s $220 million national investment in general practices over two years.
The program, which will open to all eligible* Western Australian (WA) general practices on Monday 24 April, intends to support them to make improvements to make it easier for patients to access a GP and to continue to provide high quality, safe and accessible care.
As the operator of WA’s three Primary Health Networks, WAPHA is administering the grants Program in WA which is open to every eligible general practice.
Commenting on the program, Ms 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.”
On Monday 24 April, WAPHA will email the authorised representative at eligible general practices inviting them to register via its portal ASPIRE – a vital pre-application step before completing the digital grant application form. This follows an initial communication sent to practices earlier this week asking them to confirm their intent to apply.
The grants 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.
If a practice is eligible to receive a grant and has not yet received an email communication from WA Primary Health Alliance, they should contact WAPHA’s Practice Assist team on 1800 2 277 478 or email GPgrants@wapha.org.au.
Grant applications will close on 15 June 2023.
Read an Overview of the Program and Factsheet.
For more information on eligibility, investment streams, how to apply for a Grant, and other key program information, visit our Practice Assist page.
*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.