Message from the Chair

The challenges GPs are facing during the COVID-19 pandemic

The pandemic has seen unprecedented mental health issues not only among patients, but also GPs. Just over half (53%) of GPs surveyed as part of the General Practice: Health of the Nation 2021 say they’ve experienced a negative impact on their own wellbeing due to COVID-19.

GPs are working harder than ever while facing new challenges in patient care. The COVID-19 pandemic has seen GPs become a one-stop shop for physical illness care, education and mental health assistance, while also managing vaccine mistrust, PPE shortages and ever-changing telehealth rules.

The GPMHSC committee and I recognise the hard work of GPs around the country during this time, and particularly during the vaccine rollout when they’ve put millions of doses into Australians’ arms. I encourage you to be conscious of burnout, the result of severe stress and overwork which can feel like fatigue, dread of going into work, and a lack of empathy.

Find out more about burnout in this newsletter.

National Mental Health Workforce Strategy

During the last few months, I’ve attended several meetings concerning a mental health workforce strategy that covers the whole country. These meetings highlighted issues of equity in workforce distribution, specifically felt by GPs in rural, remote and lower-socioeconomic deprived areas.

Ensuring our patients receive care that is nationally consistent and of high standard remains an issue.

The GPMHSC is committed in supporting the development of a mental health workforce that’s better equipped to respond to the needs of patients.

You can visit the National Mental Health Workforce Strategy Taskforce website for more information on its role.

National Children’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy

The GPMHSC welcomes Australia’s first National Children’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy. The strategy highlights the importance of empowering families to promote mental health and wellbeing as part of routine parenting, and to actively collaborate with services when required. The importance of community-based approaches to health is also emphasised.

This is the first time a federal government has developed a strategy focused on supporting the mental health and wellbeing of all children.

Download the full report.
 
Rural Medicine Australia 2021 Virtual update

The GPMHSC has recently exhibited at RMA21 as premium partner. The conference was a huge success, with three evenings of lecture sessions in October, plus three weekly speaker sessions on Thursdays 4, 11 and 18 November (from 6.00 pm). The conference features live and on-demand viewings, as well as a state-of-the-art online platform. As fantastic as the online conference was, we immensely look forward to meeting up at future conferences in person.

Associate Professor Morton Rawlin
Chair, GPMHSC