With more than 7000 visits to the after-hours GP services at Hawkesbury Hospital alone, residents are encouraged to take an online survey to help the Nepean-Blue Mountains Medicare Local (NBMML) ensure the medical services are meeting community needs.
NBMML includes Lithgow, Penrith and Blue Mountains as well as Hawkesbury.
The survey will help identify any areas where needs are not being met as well as gain community feedback to accommodate patients with non-urgent medical issues.
According to Medicare data, there has been a steady increase in the use of the services in the last three years.
NBMML board chair, Dr Shiva Prakash, said the after-hours GP service enabled the emergency department to focus on the most serious cases.
‘‘The service treats medical concerns rather than them turning up at the emergency department with issues that are not life threatening,’’ Dr Prakash said.
“Medical issues can arise at any time of the day or night so it is important that medical services are accessible and available when people need them. With more than 130,000 after-hours consultations last year (across the whole Nepean-Blue Mountains Medicare Local area), community feedback is vital to improve health services in our area.’’
Local after hours GP services are supported and funded by the NBMML.
The online survey takes five minutes to complete and every respondent will enter a draw to win $100 worth of groceries and a free supermarket shopping tour with one of NBMML’s dietitians.
■ Details: nbmml.com.au/healthsurvey until November 13.
