Healthy North Coast and local GPs have partnered with The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and other Primary Health Networks to develop guidelines that will make it easier for disaster-affected communities to receive access to GP services in the immediate wake of a disaster. 

The resources provide clear guidance on how to provide safe clinical care in an evacuation centre context. The resources also make recommendations about how disaster response agencies can connect with local GPs and include them in their disaster planning. 

The North Coast of NSW is one of the highest disaster-declared regions in the country for frequency and severity across all three measures of fire, flood and storm. Together with South East Queensland, it has been labelled a disaster ‘hotspot’ in Australia.1 

“At one point during the 2022 Northern NSW floods, Healthy North Coast and local GPs were supporting 31 evacuation centres. There were no guidelines around how to do this because primary health care has not traditionally been included as part of the disaster response. That is finally starting to change now,” said Monika Wheeler, CEO of Healthy North Coast. 

“It’s vitally important that our GPs and other primary health care professionals are supported so they can deliver swift and effective health care for those impacted by natural disasters and that they’re properly embedded into the wider healthcare response. 

“It’s been great to contribute to this important work, sharing some valuable lessons that we’ve learned in the North Coast region over the past few years.” 

The guidelines were the result of 18 months of extensive co-design and development. 

RACGP President Dr Nicole Higgins said it is essential for GPs and local health authorities to work together in both disaster planning and response. 

“The 2022 Northern NSW floods were devastating for local GPs and practice teams,” she said. 

“We’ve seen that where GPs, Primary Health Networks, and other local health authorities do work together to plan against disasters, their patients are safer during emergencies, practices can be back to full capacity sooner, and patients who need health care experience fewer disruptions. Chronic health conditions don’t pause in an emergency.  

“GPs also can and do provide emergency medical care, and many of us have done extra training to do so. Work like this is important so when disasters strike, disaster response knows who to call and the assistance they can provide. GPs who can be part of the immediate response should be included in planning, and it’s vital for our patients that general practices come back online as soon as possible. This proactive work by Healthy North Coast is an excellent move.” 

Local GPs Dr Liz Hicks and Dr David Glendinning voluntarily provided GP services at the Goonellabah and Lismore evacuation centres, respectively, and were active contributors to the new resource. 

Dr Liz Hicks, GP at First Light Ballina and Healthy North Coast Educator, said she looked forward to seeing GPs being properly integrated into local and state disaster planning. 

“The best place for GPs and patients in a disaster is their regular general practice. However, with a disaster of the scale we had in 2022, where many people are displaced and multiple clinics shut down, then accessing GPs in evacuation centres is the next best option. 

"It was a stressful and chaotic time. I am proud to have played a role in the creation of this resource and hope any GP around the country who may find themselves in the position of working in an evacuation centre in the future, has some clear guidance and support in their role.” 

Dr David Glendinning, GP at Goonellabah Medical Centre and Chief Clinical Information Officer at Northern NSW Local Health District, added his endorsement.

“Disasters place local GPs on the front lines, but without being part of a coordinated response, they are an under-utilised resource. It’s essential that governments connect with local GPs before an emergency occurs, so that GPs can be incorporated into the disaster management strategies and be as effective as possible. 

“With the publishing and adoption of these guidelines, we as GPs will be in a much better position to look after the health needs of our communities when (not if) the next disaster occurs.” 

The guidelines can be found on RACGP’s website, along with a new resource for GPs on providing care in evacuation centres and a position statement.