The SMH has reported that, "NSW Opposition Leader Luke Foley will pledge $40 million to establish four walk-in medical centres staffed by nurses to relieve pressure on emergency departments. In a move set to be opposed by the Australian Medical Association, Labor's election promise will see 45 nurses staff the centres in western Sydney, Wollongong and the Central Coast...The treatment of flu, gastroenteritis, minor injuries, casts and issuance of "sick/carer certificates" will be the focus of the centres. Opposition health spokesman Walt Secord said the model was successfully used in Britain and the ACT, and would complement the work of general practitioners. The centres will be open seven days, until 10pm, to treat minor injuries and illnesses that would otherwise clog hospitals. However, they won't treat infants aged under two, or motor vehicle or workplace injuries, and an ambulance would be called for emergency cases...The Labor policy will see a summary of the patient's visit sent to their GP..."
Read the full article here.
Read the full article here.