The Hon Dr David Gillespie MP

Assistant Minister for Health Member for Lyne

Senator John Williams

Senator for New South Wales

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

12th July 2017

Patients in Singleton will soon feel the benefits of improved facilities at the Raworth Cottage Medical Practice after it was selected for a Federal Government grant.

Senator for New South Wales John Williams today welcomed the announcement that the practice would receive a $300,000 grant

The practice is one of 67 that were offered grants across the nation, with a total of $13.1 million allocated under the Government’s Rural General Practice Grants program.

“This grant will enable the Raworth Cottage Medical Practice to relocate and improve their facilities,” Senator Williams said.

 “The new building will feature six consulting rooms, two allied health rooms, two treatment rooms, library, meeting and waiting rooms, and seminar space.

“Because of the larger premises Raworth Cottage Medical Centre will be able to purchase additional, specialised equipment.

“Better facilities will allow more doctors, nurses and other health workers to get hands-on training in general practices in rural and remote areas.

“They will be able to attend to patients and also, when they are fully qualified, are more likely to decide to stay in these areas or join another rural community in New South Wales.”

Assistant Minister for Health, David Gillespie, said practices would match the amount of their grants to undertake their projects.

Dr Gillespie said the projects could range from building new rooms to renovating existing rooms and buying computing technology or medical equipment.

“As well as medical graduates, they may be used for training overseas trained doctors, nurses, Aboriginal health workers or other health professionals employed in the practice,” Dr Gillespie said.

“Other grants will be used to create meeting rooms where patients can receive education about health conditions, such as diabetes, so they can take a more active role in managing their own health.

“The Government supports a strong primary care workforce that can meet Australia’s future healthcare needs.

“Improving access to doctors and other health professionals in rural and regional Australia is a priority for our long term national health plan.”