Healthcare providers in the NSW town of Lismore will get an extra $5 million in government aid for flood recovery so locals can continue accessing essential services like GPs and dentists.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Health Minister Mark Butler said the federal and NSW governments would each contribute $2.5 million to the flood-ravaged town's health sector, with grants of up to $150,000 available.
It comes after local doctors held an emergency summit calling for help after concerns some health providers would leave the town, which was devastated by floods in early 2022.
The money will assist healthcare businesses rebuild infrastructure, replace equipment or move to new premises, the government said.
GPs, allied health, dental practices, pharmacies, local Aboriginal health services and other health providers are eligible.
"Supporting primary care providers to recover benefits the entire Lismore community, ensuring locals can continue to see their own GP, dentist, mental health professional or pharmacist," Mr Butler said in a statement.
NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the extra funding would help local health services to "deal with the ongoing effects of the flood".
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners said the funding came at a key time after most town health services were damaged in the floods that killed 13 people and destroyed thousands of properties.
"Healthcare services lost hundreds of thousands of dollars in equipment as well as infrastructure damage with some premises almost completely gutted," the college's NSW and ACT chair Charlotte Hespe said.
"Without additional support, it's very difficult for these providers to return to full-scale operation and help patients in need.
"This grant funding will provide much-needed assistance so that they can continue to deliver healthcare services but ... they will still be a long way from a position that ensures long-term viability."
The Australian Medical Association urged governments to declare rural health service providers as essential workers to give them more funding certainty in future disasters.
"As natural disasters become more frequent and intense because of climate change, governments must have better plans in place to support health professionals," NSW branch president Michael Bonning said.
Australian Associated Press
