WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA) is aware that the current fuel supply constraints across Western Australia are creating uncertainty for many in our community, including general practices and their patients.
WAPHA is taking a proactive, coordinated approach in its system stewardship role. We are working within formal response frameworks, alongside Commonwealth and State partners and primary care stakeholders, to share intelligence, align messaging, support a coordinated response, and advocate for primary care as an essential part of the health system.
Preparing for disruption
To manage potential disruptions to primary care services, practices are encouraged to review their business continuity plans and consider the use of telehealth appointments where appropriate. Prompting patients to register for MyMedicare can enable access to longer telehealth item numbers where required.
Reporting practice impacts
If your practice’s service provision is affected by fuel supply issues, please email practiceassist@wapha.org.au or call 08 6278 7900.
Feedback received will be channeled through the State’s formal response structure and, where appropriate, to the Commonwealth, to advocate for access to measures needed to support continuity of care.
Further information and updates
A dedicated Fuel Supply web page has been created with links to useful resources, which will be updated as new information becomes available. This includes:
- MBS and telehealth services factsheets and resources, including patient end support services
- Practical information for conducting telehealth
Updates relevant to general practice will continue to be
provided as the situation develops, via the web page, in our regular
newsletters and your usual WAPHA contact
