IPSWICH and West Moreton’s high rates of diabetes, heart disease, obesity and mental health concerns have strengthened calls for patients with complex conditions to be given more time with their family doctor.
The Royal Australian College of GPs is calling for increased Medicare rebates for longer consultations, warning the current system can make it harder for Australians living with multiple or chronic illnesses to receive the comprehensive care they need.
The push carries particular weight in West Moreton, where several major chronic health conditions are considerably more prevalent than the Queensland average.
West Moreton Health’s latest published population profile puts diabetes at 7.72 cases per 100 people across the region, compared with 4.7 per 100 statewide.
Chronic heart disease affects 5.8 per 100 people compared with 4.7 across Queensland, while 46.1 per cent of the West Moreton population reported mental health concerns compared with 42.5 per cent statewide.
Obesity, a major risk factor for a range of chronic illnesses, was reported among 32.5 per cent of adults in West Moreton, compared with 27.3 per cent statewide.
A West Moreton Health spokesperson said the health service was committed to helping people across the region live longer and healthier lives, but acknowledged the scale of the challenge facing the rapidly growing community.
“The region faces many health challenges, which are compounded by rapid population growth and higher-than-average rates of chronic disease,” the spokesperson said.
“Reducing rates of chronic disease is a complex community issue and primary healthcare plays a vital role in keeping people well and supporting the long-term management of these conditions.
“We support investment in primary and preventative healthcare that improves access to timely, comprehensive care for our community, noting that primary healthcare remains a federal responsibility.”
RACGP President Michael Wright said GPs were critical to keeping people with chronic conditions well and preventing their health deteriorating to the point where hospital treatment was required.
