As well as a campaign to raise awareness, Bathurst’s Marathon Health has been awarded three of a total of eight grants that aim to improve access to high quality, effective and efficient after hours primary health care services in western NSW. 

Health network CEO Andrew Harvey said one of those grants will help address difficulties in accessing health care after hours with the aim of tackling the problem of unnecessarily overcrowded emergency departments. 

“It’s exciting to see local service providers such as general practices and pharmacies providing new models of care in their local town and area,” Mr Harvey said. 

“Bathurst has a bulk-billing GP clinic at Bathurst Hospital from 3pm-7pm on weekends and public holidays. However, it is currently underused.

“This particular grant to Marathon Health will increase transport options so people can attend the service and also further raise awareness of the after hours bulk-billing GP clinic. 

“This will especially help the aged patients, socio-economically disadvantaged, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people access the bulk-billing GP clinic after hours.

“We’re delighted to increase after hours primary health care for people whose health condition can’t wait for treatment until regular services are next available.” 

The transport service will operate from 2.30pm to 7.30pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Pick- ups will be within 10 kilometres of the CBD in Bathurst, in line with the GP after hours clinic. 

“The challenge is to ensure people who need care can get it in the easiest way possible,” Mr Harvey said.

Mr Harvey said the grants will, overall, help priority groups such as people with mental health problems, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, young children and disadvantaged groups such as housebound aged patients with complex needs. 

The grants have been awarded in areas such as Dareton, Collare-nebri, Bathurst and Orange. 

The after hours period is before 8am and after 6pm on weekdays, before 8am and after noon on Saturdays, and all day Sundays and public holidays. 

Marathon Health’s other two grants will also be used to assist the Bathurst community. 

One will cover an aged care clinical nurse consultant position which will be co-located with the ambulatory care team at Bathurst Hospital working with residential aged care facilities, GP practices and the on-call GP to reduce avoidable hospitalisations.

Another grant will be used to explore opportunities to establish a solution for access to after hours pharmacy services.