Diabetes WA CEO Melanie Gates welcomed Health Minister Meredith Hammat and her team to our Subiaco headquarters last month to mark the statewide expansion of Diabetes WA Connect.
Launched in October 2024, Diabetes WA Connect has received a further $4 million funding across four years from the Cook government, and one year’s funding from WAPHA, in recognition of its growing reputation and strong satisfaction from GPs during its initial targeted rollout. By improving access to specialist expertise for general practitioners, the service helps more West Australians receive care close to home.
Initially available only to rural and remote GPs, the service has now expanded to all GP clinics across the state. Minister Meredith Hammat says the program strengthens the role of primary care by giving all West Australian GPs direct access to endocrinologist colleagues.
“The initiative forms part of the State Government’s election commitment to strengthen community-based support for people living with diabetes while easing pressure on our hospital system,” Minister Hammat said.
The expansion of this program follows the successful rollout in regional WA, where more than 130 individual GPs have utilised the service to support their patients. Diabetes WA Connect is helping West Australians living with diabetes receive expert care sooner and closer to home.
GPs report that in talking through a complex diabetes case, they feel more confident treating other people with diabetes.
Augusta GP Louise Marsh says Diabetes WA Connect is also useful when navigating the PBS and escalating diabetes therapies.
“I have used the service for understanding whether I need to try a particular medication before prescribing something else. GPs have this information, but it takes time to look it up and in a busy practice, when you’re trying to see patients within 15 minutes, being able to call someone who really knows the restrictions around prescribing diabetes medication saves us valuable time,” she says.
Diabetes WA endocrinologist Dr Greg Ong, who has clinical appointments at Fiona Stanley Hospital and Bunbury Hospital Outpatients, says that the service will continue to build capacity within primary care around diabetes.
“Many GP practices now have a strong focus on chronic disease management, and with diabetes there is a lot to know about the latest technology, new medications, the complexity of type 1 diabetes and access to local services,” says Dr Ong.
“Perhaps you’re a GP who is new to our health system and you want to learn more about referral pathways and the unique challenges of diabetes management in Western Australia. Or it may be about building confidence within your workforce around diabetes and providing an educational tool for junior registrars. Our goal is that every time you talk to us, you will know more about diabetes management for the next time.”
Are you a GP, nurse practitioner or practice manager and would like to book a call with Diabetes WA Connect or find out more?
Diabetes WA Connect can provide advice through a phone call, or an MBS-rebatable multi-disciplinary case conference (MDCC).
For MDCCs, a Diabetes WA diabetes educator will always attend, while an Aboriginal Health Practitioner can be requested.
The team can also visit your GP practice for a meet and greet so you can learn more about the service.
Get in touch with Diabetes WA Connect.
Call 9436 6270
Visit the Diabetes WA Connect booking page
Email diabetesconnect@diabeteswa.com.au for enquiries.
