The CESPHN Aged Care Advisory Committee brings together GPs, aged care providers, consumer advocates, and health system stakeholders to improve the quality and coordination of care for older people living in the Central and Eastern Sydney region.
With Australia's population ageing rapidly and aged care reform a continuing area of national policy focus, GPs are increasingly at the centre of managing the complex, multimorbid needs of older patients — both in the community and in residential aged care facilities (RACFs).
The Division's representation on this committee ensures that practical, frontline GP perspectives are integrated into regional aged care planning, service design, and reform implementation.
GPs are often the primary coordinators of care for frail elderly patients navigating multiple health conditions, complex medications, and transitions between home, hospital, and residential care. A strong GP voice in aged care policy is essential.
Following the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, the Australian Government has undertaken significant reform of the aged care system. The introduction of the new Aged Care Act and the Support at Home programme represent the most substantial changes to the sector in decades.
For GPs, these changes have practical implications — from updated assessment and referral processes to new documentation requirements when working with aged care recipients. The Division's representation on the CESPHN Aged Care Advisory Committee ensures that GPs in the St George region receive timely information and practical guidance on navigating these changes.
Our representative Dr Sharon Foo brings insights from frontline general practice to the committee — highlighting where reform intersects with day-to-day GP work and advocating for workable, GP-friendly approaches to implementation.
GPs play an important role in helping older patients access aged care services through My Aged Care. Our Education programme includes sessions on the referral and assessment process — check our PGL schedule for upcoming topics.
If you have feedback or issues you'd like raised at the Aged Care Advisory Committee, please contact our representative Dr Sharon Foo through the Division office.