Authors: Body Mind & Soul General Practice, NSW, Sydney Local Health District Community Mental Health Service, Inner West Sydney Medicare Local
Year: 2013
Event: 2013 TheMHS Awards
Subject:
Type of resource: TheMHS Awards
Award state: NSW
Award level: Silver
Award category: Primary Care / GP Based
Abstract: Body, Mind & Soul General Practice is a private bulk-billing clinic co-located with the Marrickville Community Mental Health Service (MCMHS). This clinic was established in 2008 through the collaborative efforts of a GP, Sydney Local Health District (SLHD) and Inner West Sydney Medicare Local (known as Central Sydney GP Network). The service aims to address the health inequity experienced by people living with severe mental illness who are not linked to a GP. This target group have poorer physical health, decreased access to health care services and reduced life expectancy when compared to the wider population. This innovative GP clinic delivers holistic care with a focus on consumers at risk of metabolic syndrome, including diabetes. Close working partnerships between the GP and MCMHS has resulted in earlier detection and intervention of physical health problems, improved care co-ordination and increased access to a range of health services and preventative health interventions. Description of Facility/Organisation: The geographical region served by Body, Mind & Soul General Practice mirrors that of MCMHS - suburbs in Sydney’s Inner West. Being a solo private general practice located within a state funded health organisation, the funding and administrative model for this clinic has needed to be innovative. Sole funding by Medicare for this bulk-billing service ensures consumers incur no out-of-pocket expenses. SLHD provides the infrastructure at no cost, including use of a consultation room, medical equipment, nursing and administrative support. IWSML provides support for practice management and information systems. The clinic currently has 200 active consumers registered, who can attend standard 30 minute appointments with the GP. The solo GP also organises Medicare billings and system for consumer recalls. This model of primary health care has been replicated in other community mental health services, and received 1st place in the SLHD 2011 Quality Awards (Mental Health category).
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