On 26 October 2007, General Practice Divisions - Victoria Ltd (GPDV) changed its name to General Practice Victoria (GPV).
Mission Statement
GPV works at the state level to support Victorian divisions of general practice.
Divisions build capacity in general practice, working at the local level towards a skilled, viable and effective general practice sector to improve the health and well-being of Victorian communities.
Strategy Plan 2007 - 2011
The key strategic goals are:
- Enhance primary health care delivery through general practice
- Increase the integration of general practice into the health care system
- Enhance the Victorian Divisions Network
Click here to see GPV�s strategic plan 2007-2011
Position Statement
The following statements outline the broad position of the GPV board.
General Practice
General practice representation in any discussion about health system issues is vital because
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General practitioners see more than 80 % of the Australian population at least every 12 months.
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GPs provide comprehensive and continuing whole patient care to individuals, families and their community. GP care spans the continuum of wellness. GPs are the best placed primary care provider to coordinate medical services for patients with co-morbidities. GPs have an ongoing commitment to better health outcomes for their communities.
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GPs have credibility with their patients.
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GP care affects the demand for public sector health services.
Divisions, Associations and Networks of General Practice provide the most effective organisational interface between government and other stakeholders and GPs because:
- they provide broad representation of general practice without vested interests and have the capacity and expertise to consult effectively with individual GPs.
- they play a recognised, valued and effective role in GP education for systemic and practice change.
- they coordinate and provide a range of vital services. As the peak body in Victoria, GPV coordinates representation which is accountable to its member organisations.
GPV�s Key Roles
- GPV provides a united and representative voice for Victorian general practice divisions, associations and networks on state and national health policies and their interface, and on the implementation of policies as programs.
- GPV provides opportunities for communication, collaboration and networking, consensus building and professional development for people working at all levels in general practice divisions, associations and networks.
- GPV functions as the central contact point between its members and other organisations for health system development in Victoria.
Statement of Core Values
GPV values the great potential of general practice to contribute to better health for people in Australia. GPV believes that:
- A skilled, viable and effective GP workforce is crucial to improving the health of Australians.
- Because of the frequency and nature of GP contact with the majority of the population, GPs are well placed to recognise where the current system can best meet patient needs. GPs should therefore be consulted at all levels of health policy decision-making.
- Co-ordination between general practice and other components of the health sector will contribute to improved health care delivery and to improved continuity of care. Divisions are the organisations best placed to systematically link general practice with the rest of the health system.
- GP education and training is a core role for divisions as it is essential to improving the quality of general practice.
- Divisions are well placed to define opportunities for improving access to general practice services at the local level. This may include designing and implementing programs in ways that will be most effective for their target groups; increasing the viability and quality of practices to allow the public better access to services; and addressing GP workforce issues.
- A focus on population health based care will result in improved illness prevention and better health outcomes, particularly for those with chronic illnesses. Divisions are well placed to assist practices to implement population health approaches.
- Divisions are the organisations best placed to provide ongoing practical support and direction for systems change that will improve the quality and organisation of general practice.