The New England Division of General Practice Ltd (NEDGP) is a nonprofit organisation dedicated to supporting general practitioners (GPs) and advancing primary health care services in the New England region of New South Wales, Australia. Established in 1994, the organisation serves as a local network coordinating and advocating on behalf of rural and regional GPs and their staff to improve health outcomes across a geographically extensive area.

History and Purpose

NEDGP was formed to assist rural general practitioners by providing professional support and fostering collaboration among primary care providers. Over time, with the evolution of Australia's primary health care landscape, including transitions through Medicare Locals to the current Primary Health Networks, NEDGP has maintained an active role representing general practice interests within its region.

Coverage Area

The Division covers a large area of approximately 33,284 square kilometres, representing about 4.2% of the total land area of New South Wales. Its jurisdiction extends from Tenterfield in the north down to Uralla in the south, and westward to Inverell and Bundarra. The region includes towns such as Ashford, Emmaville, Glen Innes, Tingha, Guyra, Armidale, Inverell, and Glen Innes. While general practitioners are more concentrated in larger centres like Armidale, Inverell, and Glen Innes, smaller towns such as Tenterfield, Uralla, and Guyra experience lower levels of GP representation, with Ashford, Tingha, and Bundarra lacking resident medical officers entirely.

Activities and Initiatives

NEDGP focuses on several key activities to support its members and the health of the community:

• Coordinating the New England Health Alliance Meetings to foster collaboration among local health service providers.
• Advocating for the interests of GPs and their patients in the region.
• Facilitating educational initiatives and scholarships, including the John Nevin Scholarship for first-year medical students at the University of New England (UNE).
• Awarding prizes such as the Dr Robert French Prize for Surgery and the Dr Phillip Bookallil Prize for Rural General Practice to outstanding UNE graduates.

The organisation also supports ongoing professional development for medical clinicians and their staff, ensuring that primary health care providers in the region stay informed and skilled in delivering high-quality care.

Role in the Australian Primary Health Care System

As part of the broader system of Divisions of General Practice established by the Australian Government, NEDGP operates with funding aimed at supporting GPs to improve healthcare quality and outcomes for their communities. Unlike some international counterparts which may cover a broader range of health services, Australian Divisions primarily focus on general practice. NEDGP actively collaborates with various primary health care providers and networks in its region to integrate services and represent member interests effectively.

Governance and Membership

NEDGP is governed by a board of directors and GP advisors who engage with healthcare organisations and stakeholders within the New England area. The organisation represents general practitioners and their staff, enabling a collective voice to influence health policy and service provision tailored to the needs of rural and regional communities.

The New England Division of General Practice Ltd continues to play a crucial role in supporting rural general practitioners, enhancing primary health care services, and advocating for better health outcomes in a geographically large and diverse region of New South Wales.

[1] https://www.nedgp.org.au [2] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/2d95dd32-38af-e811-a95e-000d3ad24c60 [3] https://www.nedgp.org.au/about/ [4] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/2d95dd32-38af-e811-a95e-000d3ad24c60/documents/06d17d84-3b20-ea11-a812-000d3ad1ce4e [5] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1951963/