FOI 25-0014 LD – Review Of After Hours Primary Care Policies And Programs Conducted By Allen And Clarke Consulting

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This report documents a comprehensive 2023-24 review of Australia's after-hours primary care policies and programs commissioned by the Department of Health and Aged Care following recommendations from the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce Report. Conducted by Allen and Clarke Consulting from October 2023 to June 2024, the review examined service accessibility, equity, quality, and value for money across after-hours primary care. The report covers five key areas: achieving value for money, integrating after-hours care within an urgent care framework, improving accessibility, addressing rural and remote equity gaps, and enhancing quality and safety. The review incorporated input from an expert advisory panel, healthcare providers, policymakers, community organisations, and consumers from priority populations including those receiving palliative care and First Nations peoples. The document outlines proposed next steps and timing for implementing reforms to create a better-coordinated after-hours primary care system to reduce unnecessary hospital emergency department demand.