Expressions of Interest open: Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinics
Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network is seeking expressions of interest (EOIs) from general practices to establish Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain GP clinics on behalf of the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care.
While EMPHN can nominate up to three general practices, the Department decide which are accepted. There will be at least 16 clinics nationally, with at least one in each state and territory.
Expression of Interest – Clarification
Please see below for clarification on aspects relating to the Expression of Interest for the Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain GP Clinics:
Practice details
The criteria states that “The GP practice is an accredited practice against RACGP standards and has the relevant insurance”.
Clarification:
This now should read: The GP practice is accredited to a recognised and relevant Standard (such as the RACGP Standards for general practice) and has the relevant insurance. If the GP practice is not accredited against these standards, they will need to provide a justification as to why they are unable to obtain accreditation and demonstrate that they will be seeking accreditation, for example through the new Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care Primary and Community Care Standards in 2023.
Background information
The 2022-23 Budget committed $16.4m over four years to support the establishment of targeted Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain GP Clinics (GP clinics) in primary care settings. The intention of these GP clinics is to maximise the role of the GP led multidisciplinary care team in the management of endometriosis and pelvic pain, and to embed the GP as a core part of the care pathway for this chronic condition, optimising the role of primary care.
Funding will be provided to a minimum of 16 existing GP clinics to enhance capability and capacity to manage endometriosis and pelvic pain. At least one clinic will be located in each State and Territory. This funding will be targeted at clinics who currently deliver services focused on women’s health, and aimed at improving provision of diagnosis, treatment and management of endometriosis and pelvic pain. It is expected that these clinics will enable more appropriate and timelier endometriosis care and management, leading to improved diagnosis timeframes and appropriate pain management for impacted patients.
There will be a minimum of 16 clinics nationally and it has not been confirmed how many of these clinics will be in Victoria. The final decision on which general practices are chosen will be made by the Department.
The clinics
GP clinic objectives include:
- improved access for patients to diagnostic, treatment and referral services for endometriosis and pelvic pain
- provision of access to new information, support resources, care pathways and networks
- provision of an appropriately trained workforce with expertise in endometriosis and pelvic pain
- directly benefiting patients from rural and regional areas
- providing enhanced support to priority populations
- increased access to support services, either through a nurse navigator or referral pathway
Funding
Funding of up to $200,000 per annum over four years will be provided following a Department assessment process. Once it has chosen the clinics, the successful general practices will be formally commissioned by their local PHN with reporting and management requirements associated with the funding, which will begin in the 2022-23 financial year. This funding may be used for a wide range of services including but not limited to advanced training qualifications, further study, additional practice staff (for example, allied health, or nurse navigators), enhanced referral pathways with local providers, or equipment purchase.
How to apply
Applications close 2pm on Friday 2 December 2022.
To receive notification and tender information, you must be registered on EMPHN’s eProcure portal. Registration is free. If you have used eProcure in the past, please ensure your organisation has a current contact person registered. We are committed to delivering the right care, in the right place at the right time and are looking for innovative partners to work with us to achieve our vision of better health outcomes, better health experiences and an integrated health care system.