GPs with a special interest project providing timely care

By Ciaran McSherry Principal Project Officer – GP with Special Interest Project

The Metro North GP with Special Interest Project has recently celebrated a significant milestone, with over 1200 specialist outpatient appointments across Metro North provided under the General Practitioner with Special Interest model of care.

This model of care aims to improve patient access to the most appropriate specialist care in a timely and cost-effective manner, within the outpatient setting. The pilot project, currently funded in partnership with the Queensland Health Clinical Excellence Division, recruited their first GP with Special Interest in April 2018, and now has 17 GPs with special interests working across a diverse selection of 15 specialty departments.

The project represents a unique opportunity for GPs to upskill and take a greater role in areas of interest. The project also strengthens links between primary care practitioners and hospital-based specialist services. The GP with Special Interest outpatient clinics are based out of Metro North Hospital and Community Health facilities. Special interest outpatients clinics include:

• orthopaedic
• diabetes
• epilepsy
• older persons
• sexual health.

If you are interested in finding out more about a GP with Special Interest position contact the project team at MNHHSGPwSIProject@health.qld.gov.au.