$1.37 million funds ongoing East Arnhem service
Top End Medical Centre will start an ongoing general practice service in Nhulunbuy on 12 October, backed by $1.37 million from the Australian Government.
The service will aim to improve access to essential healthcare across the East Arnhem region. Northern Territory Primary Health Network is coordinating the rollout.
Patients are expected to have access to preventive healthcare, chronic disease management, mental health care, women’s, men’s and children’s health services, immunisations and telehealth.
The clinic will operate from the Nhulunbuy Community Health Centre. It will also sit alongside NT Health community services to support a more integrated model of care.
Nhulunbuy Community Health Centre base
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright welcomed the plan for Nhulunbuy and the wider East Arnhem region.
“This is a welcome announcement for the Nhulunbuy community and the wider East Arnhem region,” Dr Wright said.
Wright said ongoing access to general practice close to home can improve health outcomes, reduce pressure on hospitals and help patients get preventive care and treatment when needed.
He also said continuity of care from specialist GPs and their teams is critical for remote and regional communities.
According to the Royal Australian College of GPs, general practice includes care across a patient’s life, from immunisation and prevention to chronic disease management, mental health support and complex care coordination.
RACGP Northern Territory Chair Dr Sam Heard also backed the arrangement between Top End Medical Centre, NT PHN, NT Health and the Australian Government.
“We welcome the investment and commitment from Top End Medical Centre, NT PHN, NT Health and the Australian Government to establish a long-term service model that meets the healthcare needs of the community,” Dr Heard said.
Heard said remote and regional practices face higher costs and workforce shortages. In many Northern Territory centres, he said, the Medicare bulk billing model does not cover the cost of running a clinic.
He called funding that reduces ownership transition risk and underpins Medicare payments a practical solution. He also said attracting and retaining GPs in rural and remote Australia must remain a priority.
The Royal Australian College of GPs did not say how many doctors will staff the Nhulunbuy service when it opens on 12 October.
