Medicines Australia joins forces with 15 healthcare organisations to highlight continuity of care

Right now, more than ever, it is essential that Australians maintain their health. Therefore, Medicines Australia is pleased to be one of the founding members of the Continuity of Care Collaboration.

The Continuity of Care Collaboration (CCC) is an Australian-first national communication collaboration of 15 Peak Bodies, Industry and Healthcare Organisations coming together to stress the importance for people to continue monitoring their health and maintaining their regular medical care.

The group has formed amid mounting concerns that Australians are not maintaining their regular doctor visits for existing chronic conditions and/or putting off seeing their doctor to get a test, investigation, or immunisation due to fears of contracting COVID-19 or burdening the health system.

Medicines Australia Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth de Somer said: “This wide-ranging collaboration from all parts of the healthcare system demonstrates that we have concerns that some people are not taking care of their health.

“Across the board, from GP visits, to pathology, to screening, to acute care presentations, we have seen a significant drop off in Australians taking care of their health. And while this is understandable due to COVID-19, it could lead to long-term health consequences for the patient and the community.

“It could mean the difference between an early stage cancer diagnosis, which could be treated relatively easily, to a stage four – at which treatment options become far more limited.

“From a pharmaceutical perspective, medication adherence is important for controlling chronic conditions, treating temporary conditions and overall long-term health and wellbeing.

“By not seeking treatment now, it could also mean that there will be a heavy influx of people needing treatment in a few months’ time, which will place undue burden on the health system precisely when it needs to be managed very carefully,” she said.

The collaboration is expected to remain operational for the next three to six months, with a review on objectives.

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More information – Natalie Wimmer – nwimmer@medaus.com.au – 0450 728 660