Clarence Valley locals who struggle to get in to see a GP could soon find it easier, with a $2.3 million program aimed at easing pressure on emergency departments in Grafton and Maclean.
Healthy North Coast has received the Australian Government funding for Clarence Health Access, a one-year program to improve access to primary health care across the Clarence Valley, with a focus on Grafton, Maclean, and surrounding areas.
And the numbers show why it’s needed.
The Clarence Valley had the seventh highest rate in NSW of lower urgency emergency department presentations in 2024-25, at 393 for every 1,000 people. The North Coast ranks third highest in the country.
Lower urgency presentations are used as a measure of access to primary care, because some of those patients could be better looked after elsewhere in the health system.
The Clarence Valley also has fewer GPs, nurses, and allied health workers than the state and national averages. More than one in four local GPs are aged over 65, around one and a half times the state and national average.
“Through one year of funded activities, Clarence Health Access will spearhead initiatives that will positively impact the long-term sustainability of primary health care for many years to come,” said Healthy North Coast CEO Monika Wheeler.
Community consultation earlier this year found locals faced an ageing population, chronic and complex conditions, and Aboriginal health needs.
People also reported trouble seeing a GP in a timely way, transport costs when care wasn’t available locally, and emergency department presentations.
The early money will go to backing the local workforce. Around $400,000 has been set aside to attract and keep doctors and nurses, through incentives and support for GPs, GP registrars, international medical graduates, and graduate nurses.
Another $450,000 or so will fund GP Liaison and Community Connector roles.
Two GP Liaison Officers will work directly with participating general practices, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, and community pharmacies in Grafton and Maclean.
A Community Connector will help locals find the services that already exist, including 1800 Medicare, Medicare Mental Health lines, headspace Grafton, and local Aboriginal health services, clinics, and community programs.
“By supporting general practice, strengthening the local workforce, improving care navigation for patients and expanding proven local models of care, we’re building on existing services so that we can deliver the right care, in the right place at the right time for the community,” Ms Wheeler said.
The program is a joint effort with the Northern NSW Local Health District, Bulgarr Ngaru Medical Aboriginal Corporation, and Clarence Valley Council.
Northern NSW Local Health District Chief Executive Tracey Maisey welcomed the focus on connecting people with care in the community, which will help steer people with non-urgent conditions away from the emergency departments at Grafton Base Hospital and Maclean District Hospital.
“Our hospitals are busy places with a dedicated workforce,” Ms Maisey said.
“When patients can see their GP for less urgent care needs, it frees up our clinicians to attend to those with more acute healthcare needs at our hospitals.”
Healthy North Coast will also commission general practices and Bulgarr Ngaru to set up new models of care, such as rural urgent care, chronic disease prevention, and nurse-led services, with the aim of making them sustainable through Medicare after the funding ends.
The funding comes through the General Practice Incentive Fund.
“We know delivering healthcare in regional communities comes with unique challenges, which is why the Albanese Labor Government is investing in innovative ways to improve access to care closer to home,” said Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health Emma McBride.
“The Clarence Valley initiative is one of 17 projects being delivered across the country to improve access to primary care in regional areas.”
The program will be officially announced at Ochre Medical Centre in Grafton on Wednesday, 30 September.
Local practitioners have welcomed the news.
“The funding is wonderful news for our community, and the resulting investment in services will help strengthen access for patients,” said Ochre Health Grafton Practice Manager Carol Pachos.
“Challenges in regard to timely access for primary health care has been a huge issue across the Valley for our community members.”
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