AMA (NSW) condemns NSW Health’s decision to hinder emergency payments to flood-affected doctors

NSW Health’s refusal to temporarily adjust rules for support payments to doctors in flood-affected communities is disappointing, said AMA (NSW) President, Dr Danielle McMullen.

“The catastrophic flood conditions in Northern NSW have created a health crisis for residents in that area. NSW Health has an opportunity to relieve some of the significant strain by making it easier for doctors to access Professional Support Payments. Their refusal to budge on the bureaucratic process to access these payments is frustrating.

“Healthcare workers in Northern NSW are increasingly growing despondent. We are hearing a sense of desperation from doctors, who have been through fires, a pandemic, and now floods. They need help and they need it now,” Dr McMullen said.

AMA (NSW) requested NSW Health to allow Professional Support Payments to be made available as a one-off payment rather than reimbursement (as is usually the case) so that doctors could access much needed funds to purchase equipment, supplies and undertake necessary repairs to their rooms or to secure alternative premises to ensure patients are able to access much needed care and support.

The Professional Support Payment is an entitlement for Visiting Medical Officers working in regional communities.

The payment was introduced in 2007 in recognition of the additional demands and costs of regional medical practice. The payment is made available on an annual basis and is most commonly used for activities such as ensuring doctors can access clinical education and by doctors to engage locums in their practices to ensure they are able to take well-deserved breaks while also ensuring patient care needs are met. Local Health Districts may also approve for the payment to be made available for other items in connection with the ongoing professional support of the doctor.

“Regional specialists are seeking to rebuild their practices and support patients. They have been unable to reassure patients about when they will be able to access vital elective surgery services,” Dr McMullen said.

“The special request made by AMA (NSW) reflects the extraordinary circumstances facing local communities in Northern NSW.

“Providing access to the Professional Support Payment would have evidenced the Government’s commitment to ensuring access to medical services to those in need and reinforced the importance of doctors’ roles in providing care and supporting their local community.

“The decision not to make the funds available in these extraordinary circumstances compounds the healthcare access issues communities of Northern NSW faced even prior to the floods,” Dr McMullen said.

Media contact: 0419 402 955