Study to investigate Katherine's health needs

The PHN has the job of finding a replacement for the private medical services provided by Gorge Health which is closing its doors at the end of October.

A consultant has been engaged by NT PHN to undertake a feasibility study which will help inform future decision making on services for the region.

The study will consider the local Katherine context such as population and demand for services, the existing relationships across the primary health sector and how the Medicare system works for GP billing.

Chief executive officer, Gill Yearsley said: "The feasibility study is an important part of considering all options for Katherine and making sure whichever one is identified as suitable is economically sustainable and supports the local needs.

The consultants have a history of working with PHNs on this kind of scenario in other rural and remote locations across Australia and are able to share their knowledge with us."

NT PHN is continuing to work with NT Health and other Katherine stakeholders to identify the best option for delivering GP services in Katherine.

Ms Yearsley said: "There is a strong commitment from the key partners to come up with a solution that may well involve sharing our resources to ensure a service is in place for Katherine residents."

In the meantime, Katherine residents can access a telehealth doctor after hours in addition to the current GP practice.

HealthNow can be accessed 6pm - 8am weekdays, after 12pm Saturday and all day Sunday/Public Holidays via telephone 1800 931 165.

"We also recommend that patients sign up to My Health Record so that if they need to swap over to a new GP at some point, their records are carried over (with patients' permission).

Current patients of Gorge Health can speak to them about getting a copy of their records or if they decide to access services at another practice such as in Darwin, can ask Gorge Health to transfer their records", Ms Yearsley said.

NT PHN is continuing discussions to secure a suitable premises and are considering a number of options.

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