In 1993 the South Gippsland Division of General Practice (SGGP Ltd) was established. The Division delivers targeted programs to address identified health needs and support GP practice, continuing education and workforce development. It has a track record in establishing sound relationships with regional and local health service providers. The South Gippsland Division of General Practice is Commonwealth funded and part of a nationwide network of Divisions with associated State Based Offices. In July 2006 the South Gippsland Division of General Practice changed its identity and is known today as General Practice Alliance South Gippsland.
GPA South Gippsland will be a catalyst for the people of South Gippsland achieving the best health outcomes in Victoria by 2015.
Lead the development of innovative primary healthcare solutions that maintain and improve the health of the community through:
Building the capacity of general practice;
GPA South Gippsland is one of three General Practice divisions in Gippsland. The divisional head office is situated in Inverloch, central to the South Gippsland region. GPA South Gippsland encompasses the geographical area bounded by Phillip Island in the west, Lang Lang, Mirboo North and Boolarra to the north, Yarram to the east and Wilsons Promontory in the south, an area of approximately 41,000 square kilometres. The Division encompasses Bass Coast and South Gippsland Shires and a small area of Cardinia, and Wellington Shires. The major towns within this area are Cowes, San Remo, Wonthaggi, Korumburra, Leongatha, Inverloch, Foster and Yarram, with a significant population in the locality of Bayles. There are two towns with a population of over 5000 - Wonthaggi and Leongatha.
The estimated population based on the 2001 census is 60,000. The population does transiently increase by an estimated 80,000 in the summer holiday season.
GPA South Gippsland currently delivers programs in Mental Health, Workforce (Recruitment and Retention), Continuing Professional Development, Aged Care, Immunisation, Clinical Risk Management, Home Medicine Review (HMR), Australian Better Health Initiative (Diabetes), Drought Recovery Support and Practice Support.
GPA South Gippsland has 69 GPs in 12 medical practices and has a membership of 56 doctors, which equates to 80%.
