First recruits welcomed to GP NOW Rapid Response Team

The first five recruits have been appointed to the new GP NOW Rapid Response Team.

Five general practitioners (GPs) have joined the Rapid Response Team this month, who can be deployed to support rural and regional communities around the State when and where they are needed.

The Department of Health warmly welcomes them to our health system and wish them all the best in their new roles, which are vital to providing Tasmanians with the healthcare they need.

The team will provide crisis support and intervention to communities where private a general practice has experienced challenges, including in instances where there are sudden or unplanned practice closures.

This team will ensure that our regional communities are supported in the event of a GP clinic closing down and can continue to access health care until a more permanent solution can be found.

The team will also be able to provide short notice cover to our district hospitals as required.

Importantly, when they are not needed in those situations, the GP NOW team will be available to enhance our virtual care options within the Care@home team – which is great news for Tasmanians and will further relieve pressure on our hospitals.

Recruitment to fill the remaining positions is ongoing.