The total number of practices in the region has fallen since 2003.  Illawarra practices have tended to become larger, partly as a result of the closure of a number of solo practices during this period.   

The survey revealed that although the total number of GPs increased since 2003 there has been a significant decrease in the proportion of GPs working full time.   The reduction in the full time GP workforce is reflected in a fall in the average number of patient hours worked per week by GPs.   

The drop in the number of full time GPs has been spread across the Illawarra, with falls recorded in most postcodes between the years 2003 and 2009.  Only Wollongong and central suburbs recorded an increase in full time GPs. 

The Kiama Municipality continues to have the worst GP to patient ratio. In addition to the falling number of practices and decreasing full time GP workforce, there was further evidence of the ageing of our GP workforce.  The average age of GPs has increased since 2003 and more than half our GPs are now aged over 50. 

“The changes to GP work hours and the ageing of the GP workforce, together with increasing numbers of patients with chronic and complex diseases and the increasing complexity of the healthcare system are leading to increased pressure on our GPs”, said Division Chair Dr Russell Pearson.  A fourth trend identified in the survey is the feminization of the general practice workforce. 

In 2009 a third of the GP workforce is female and the predominantly female practice nurse workforce has increased significantly. The presence of practice nurses equips practices to provide a team-based approach to primary health care. “Planned Commonwealth reforms to the health system and the accreditation of new GPs from the University of Wollongong are important longer term solutions to our worsening GP work pressures”, said Dr Pearson.  

Dr Pearson also called on NSW Health to support local practices’ applications for Area of Need Status.