By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
A DANDENONG-based Medicare Local’s success should insulate the branch from speculated federal cuts, its chairman says.
Dr Nicholas Demediuk, who chairs South Eastern Melbourne Medicare Local, says it’s hard to predict the fallout from a completed, unreleased review of the nation’s 61 community health care hubs.
There had been speculation of changes, including the possible closedown of the $1.8 billion system, to be announced in next week’s Federal Budget.
Dr Demediuk believes there could be the closure of some branches and expansion of others to fill the breach.
He was confident SEMML – which covers Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia – would be one of the latter.
“I don’t think Medicare Locals will disappear completely.
“Hopefully high-performing Medicare Locals like ours will continue. We’re happy to expand and take over other regions.”
Dr Demediuk pointed to SEMML success-stories such as its role in attracting a headspace youth mental health one-stop shop in Dandenong and one to open in Narre Warren.
It had also co-partnered in a PACER program, coupling a mental health nurse with local police to 525 callouts.
Since November, the nurse’s presence had kept more than 380 people out of hospital and 340 from being arrested under the Mental Health Act.
The SEMML has also provided a diabetes referral service and a mobile X-ray service that cut the need for aged-care residents travelling to hospital after a fall.
Cr Demediuk said it had a hand in “fantastic” immunisation rates in the region; its refugee health pathway regarded as a national “leader”.
The branch’s stated aim is to focus on primary care and keep people out of hospital.
Raymond Blessing, chief executive of Taskforce youth drug-and-alcohol service, says he doesn’t believe the model would be completely abandoned.
“The government doesn’t want to get rid of things that are working.
“The SEMML has been terrific in co-ordinating responses to new opportunities and needs in the region.”
He says the SEMML has brought providers, such as his service, together in a “one-stop shop”.
It had also replaced the “silo” mentality that separated hospitals, GPs, police and agencies in the justice, drug-and-alcohol, youth and mental health fields.
“Most of our clients have justice, mental health, drug issues rolled in one – it’s not just one thing.”
The Federal Government has yet to announce its intentions.
