The Federal Government has announced a new $52.5 million round of funding for primary care infrastructure. 

 

The new round of grants follows the 240 grants announced in November, 2010 with funding of $64.5 million and will be aimed at improving GP services across the country.

 

The $52.5 million will be divided into around 200 grants and will be used for upgrading infrastructure of general practices.

 

Primary care infrastructure grants can be used to upgrade or extend existing premises, such as by constructing specialised practice nurse facilities, clinical training rooms, treatment rooms fitted with the latest medical equipment, rooms for patients to attend preventative health education sessions, and facilities that support extended hours of service.

 

At least one-third of the total funding available for the Primary Care Infrastructure Grants will be provided to regional and remote Australia.

 

There are three levels of primary care infrastructure grants, with grants of up to $150,000 each; up to $300,000 each and up to $500,000 each.

 

The round of grants are part of the Federal Government's broader $370.2 million in spending on primary health care infrastructure over the next three years.

 

Applications close on 10 June 2011.

 

For more information, visit the Department of Health and Aging website at http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/grant3421011