About the IDGP

Vision

An independent general practice organisation which provides a network supporting general practices to efficiently provide quality, effective care in a rewarding manner within an integrated primary health care sector.

Mission

Represent, support and challenge general practice, through integration within the community, to improve the health of the Illawarra.

Background

The Illawarra Division of General Practice (IDGP) was established on 15 August 1993 with funding from the then Department of Health and Family Services.  From the IDGP's inception it has operated under the direction of a strong Board of Directors and has acquired the support and participation of many GP members. Over the years, the IDGP has continued to grow and expand, successfully managing a number of ongoing programs, and developing many new Illawarra area-wide initiatives.

One of our key strengths lies in the area of networking and working in collaboration with other organisations with a stake in Primary Health Care.  The IDGP has established and continues strong relationships with the following organisations:

  1. Illawarra Area Health Service

  2. University of Wollongong:  Faculty of Health & Behavioural Science; School of Information Technology and Computer Studies

  3. University of NSW:  Centre for Equity and Primary Health Research in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven (CEPHRIS)

  4. Wollongong and Kiama Councils

  5. The Illawarra Community

  6. Prime TV

  7. WAVE FM

  8. Pathology providers

  9. Residential Aged Care Facilities

  10. National Prescribing Service

  11. Pharmacy Guild

  12. The wider Divisions Network

The Illawarra Division has excelled in a number of key areas, and is well known in the Divisions Network as having forward thinking strategies in the area of Primary Health Care and health information management/technology.  The IDGP will continue to share its learnings in these, and other areas, with the Divisions Network and other stakeholders.