Summary of the Strengthening Medicare – GP Grants Program

Recently, the Australian Government has announced a new investment of $227m AUD with the aim to facilitate improvements to primary healthcare in general practices and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services.

This funding will provide an array of opportunities for these critical services to receive financial grants that will aid the Australian healthcare system. Grants will range from $25k-$50k depending on practice size and type.

With these grants, it will provide support to medical professionals with improvements to facilities and processes whilst aiding in increasing patient access to achieve better quality care.

In this feature, we’ll delve into more about this major investment and what it means for primary healthcare providers across Australia.

Availability and Application Procedure for Health Project Grants for General Practitioners and ACCHS

Grants are available under 3 categories: enhancing digital health capacity, upgrading infection prevention and control arrangements, and maintaining or achieving accreditation.

General Practitioners (GPs) and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS) have been notified by their Primary Health Network (PHN) that they are able to apply for the grant.

Applicants can apply online using the invite-only link provided by their nominated PHN. Practices should allocate up to 2 weeks for their application to be processed.

Details of Grant Amounts, Application Requirements, and Project Completion Deadlines for Health Practices

Depending on the size of the practice, fixed grant amounts of $25k, $35k, and $50k are allocated. During the application process applicants will only need to provide practice details, entailing which ‘stream’ they would like to use the funding on.

Applications for various grants close on the 15th June 2023 with projects set to be completed by 30th June 2024.

Eligible Expenditure – Examples

The main objective of this initiative is to create more opportunities to improve and create a more connected healthcare system. In doing so, practices can enjoy more contemporary digital solutions aimed for a more seamless and secure communication of patient data. This can be conducted through video telehealth appointments, secure data storage, and interoperable software.

Here are some examples of eligible expenditure for practices with this new initiative:

• General practice IT systems such as purchase of new digital portable devices, computers, and video conferencing equipment.
• Software examples, including purchasing video conferencing software, cloud-based practice management platforms, medication management software, and subscriptions to online booking systems or secure messaging services.
• Improvements to internet connectivity such as upgrading to hardware or infrastructure that offers high-speed connectivity and internet service reliability.
• Upskilling staff in digital capability. Examples include expenditure related to policy development, training materials, training staff, and digital skills courses from a recognised Australian training service provider.
• Professional assessment of the existing digital/cybersecurity capability and arrangements to identify improvements.
• Incorporating these eligible expenses will enhance the digital health capability of your medical institution and prepare it to meet future standards.

To apply for the grant program, applicants must provide the following information:

• Practice contact details (name, address, email, phone, and fax, if applicable)
• The practice’s full legal name
• Current accreditation status (unaccredited, registered for accreditation, or accredited)
• Trading or business name
• Practice’s bank account details
• Australian business number
• Details of an authorized contact person for the grants program, also known as the “grantee’s representative”
• Australian company number (if applicable)
• GST registration details (if registered)
• Preferred timing for payment of the grant amount (either 2022-23 or 2023-24 financial year)

This information is necessary for applicants to be considered for the grant program.

Leveraging the GP Grants Program for Optimal Healthcare Delivery with Business Telecom as Your Digital Solutions Partner

With the closing date for applications fast approaching, it is essential that healthcare providers move quickly in order to be successful.

The program will provide Medicare General Practices and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services with the opportunity to obtain top-of-the-range technology that will enable them to deliver outstanding medical care to their patients in person and digitally.

Business Telecom is the optimal solution for all your communication needs. We understand the complexities and advantages of this new program and offer the best support for businesses looking to benefit from it.

Contact us today so you can make the most of this new opportunity!

Distribution of funding (Final)