Hunter Medicare Local was pleased to report that funding had been secured for the GP Access After Hours service after its future was thrown into uncertainty earlier this month.

There was community uproar when news broke that the service would close after failing to secure government funding past June 30. 

“The after hours funding allocation for the Hunter New England and Central Coast PHN will allow for the provision of funding to continue the GP Access After Hours service,” a statement from the Department of Health said.

Hunter Medicare Local Chair, Trent Watson, was very happy with the news.

“We are delighted to receive this confirmation and I would especially like to acknowledge the overwhelming support the service has received from all sections of our community over the last week,” he said.

“The level of support has no doubt clearly demonstrated to the government and Department of Health how greatly appreciated and valued this service is by our community”.

“While the current announcement covers the next 12 months we are very pleased that the Department of Health has also provided a list of principles that will be used to commission after hours services over the longer term."