Statement of Core Values

GPDV values the great potential of general practice to contribute to better health for people in Australian. GPDV believes that:

1. A skilled, viable and effective GP workforce is crucial to improving the health of Australians.
   
2. 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.
   
3. 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.
   
4. GP education and training is a core role for divisions as it is essential to improving the quality of general practice.
   
5. 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.
   
6. 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.
   
7. 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.