The state government is urging Western Australians to maintain regular contact with their GPs for the sake of their health.
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In line with national trends in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, some WA general practices are seeing a significant fall in the number of patients attending their clinics for regular check-ups and appointments.
This may lead to critical health conditions being undiagnosed and untreated, resulting in life-threatening complications for some patients.
Health minister Roger Cook today launched the #SeeYourGP campaign with the WA Primary Health Alliance, to draw attention to the important role in community health played by regular visits to GPs.
The campaign, to be undertaken through social media and digital ads, will be shared through general practices and key organisations with links to consumers.
Diagnostic tests, screening tests, immunisations and regular health check-ups are essential tools to ensuring the population remains healthy and well.
Peak medical bodies including the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and the Australian Medical Association have confirmed lower numbers of patients seeking treatment in recent weeks.
This could have the unintended consequence of hospitals and the wider health system being put under even greater pressure, dealing with critically ill patients who have neglected chronic conditions or symptoms of heart disease or cancer.
The WA Primary Health Alliance is working with the Health Consumers Council (WA), Carers WA and a wide range of community groups to encourage Western Australians to visit their local GP.
For a range of medical appointments which do not require a physical examination, patients can now speak to a doctor or medical professional by videoconference or on the telephone.
A media kit is available at thesocialpresskit.com/seeyourgp
