Department of Health – Primary Health Care COVID-19 Response Teleconference 1 September 2021 – Meeting notes from Dr Maria Boulton

The Primary Care Implementation Group (PCIG) is an online meeting that includes most primary healthcare peak bodies. It is convened weekly by the Department of Health as part of the COVID-19 response. Dr Maria Boulton attends on behalf of the AGPA.

Issues raised by AGPA

PIP/WIP/SWPE-does not include telehealth or COVID vaccine consultations, this affects Practice Incentive Payments(PIP) income, even though practices continue to provide patient services.
This also affects nurse Workforce Incentive Payments (WIP). Is this an oversight/mistake? We are still providing the services.
Response-will seek clarification and get back to us.

Sought clarification on whether GP clinics are indemnified if they employ medical students as vaccinators.
Response-will seek clarification and get back to us. This has been followed up with an email to the COVID taskforce.

Comments from the TaskForce

Expected to reach 20 million COVID vaccine doses tonight or tomorrow

Remaining practices expecting approval to participate in Pfizer roll out should expect an email soon about when they will receive Pfizer doses

Everyone 16 years and over are eligible for COVID vaccines

12-15 year olds are eligible for Pfizer from 13^th of Sept

There is a continuing need to prioritise the 1a cohort

Additional Pfizer doses have been secured from Singapore

3600 pharmacies have now been on-boarded for COVID vaccines.

Details on the Moderna  Vaccine now included in the training module

There are continuing issues around crossing state  borders, for both patients and health care workers. There have been reports of GP receptionists/staff being turned away.