THE political battle over the future of the Hunter's GP Access continues, with Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon warning that an almost $16 million drop in funding for after hours care in the 2022 budget is "just the beginning".
In Senate Estimates on Friday, department officials insisted the drop in funding allocation to extend the Primary Health Network (PHN) after hours program from $71.9 million in 2021 to $56 million in 2022 was a "decrease", but "not a cut".
Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon said the decrease in funding was "all part of the Morrison Government's plan to reduce our world-class GP Access After Hours Service to a lower standard model".
"There is a review currently sitting on the Minister's desk, which if approved, will see the remaining $4 million of funding for our GP Access service slashed to just $1 million," she said.
"This would effectively end this vital service."
But the Department of Health insists funding for all PHNs to continue to deliver the After Hours program "will not change".
"Unspent 2021-22 PHN funds will be used to continue services, with the $56 million announced in the budget providing a top up of funding and extension of the program to current levels," a spokesperson said.
"The reduction in the budget appropriation for the PHN After Hours Program in 2022-23 will have no effect on funding to Hunter New England Central Coast PHN for [GP Access].
"While the level of funds provided for the program in 2022-23 is lower than provided in previous budgets, the department will provide PHNs with the same funding in 2022-23 as they were provided in 2021-22. This will be achieved due to underspend by the PHNs in the 2021-22 financial year.
