Time changes everything at headspace Bendigo GP Clinic

Dr Chris Sasse, Dr Colin Sherlock and Centre Manager Lindsay Rose

Long GP consultations are a necessity, not a luxury, especially for young people. That’s the message from headspace Bendigo clinicians.

With the average GP appointment time in Australia sitting at 19 minutes (RACGP) and with generally only one issue permitted per consult, the extended care being offered by headspace Bendigo’s GP Clinic is having an impact on the long-term health and wellbeing of local youth.

Thanks to a funding boost last October from the Agnico Eagle Australia Community Partnership Program, initial consults of 50 minutes are the norm for headspace Bendigo’s GP clinic, providing the time and space for both the GP and young person to explore more than one aspect of their health in one appointment.

headspace Bendigo GP Dr Chris Sasse says the longer appointment times make a difference.

“GPs are great at multi-tasking and can provide physical, sexual and reproductive health care all at the same time, all in the same place, with no cost to the young person,” she says.

“The feedback I’ve had from being able to give more time to a young person to communicate their concerns has included that they appreciate not feeling rushed. They prefer a wholistic approach and feel heard, better understood and respected.”

Fellow GP Dr Colin Sherlock agrees, adding:

“A lot of young people who come in are experiencing difficulties in many aspects of life and, for the majority, not all are medical based,” he says.

“These complex and overlapping issues take time to pick apart and explore which requires longer appointments to properly assess and plan around. I have also found parents especially feel much more reassured when their young person’s concerns are taken seriously and they are allowed the time to explore them.”

One young person, who wishes to remain anonymous, says their experience was so positive they’ll reach out again if they need to.

“I felt seen and heard. I felt comfortable too, and having those basic needs met first makes it more likely that I will book in for medical help again.”

Centre Manager Lindsay Rose says the speciality bulk-billing clinic has become an essential service offered by headspace Bendigo, with more than 130 young people seen by clinicians since October last year and the average appointment time pushing the 40-minute mark.

“Our young people are actively engaging with us to seek help because local youth trust headspace,” he says.

“Having a multidisciplinary team like our centre has reduces barriers to care for our youth. It results in a more holistic health assessment and management plan, and young people are feeling better cared for.”

Lindsay says the benefits of longer consultations far outweigh any perceived negatives, including financial ones.

“Due to the nature of the GP care we provide, the Medicare system currently doesn’t fully cover the associated costs however we were incredibly lucky to receive a grant from the Agnico Eagle Community Partnership program.  This grant helps us to break even while we await future funding clarity from the Commonwealth Government,” he says.

“Local youth deserve the time to explain their health concerns in a place they feel welcome, safe and comfortable. We provide that right now and, funding permitted, we will continue to do that.”