Gippsland Primary Health Network is calling for expressions of interest from six Gippsland general practices interested in taking part in a new pilot program.
It is hoped the program will lead to greater LGBTIQA+ inclusivity and attendance at practices after PHN's recent priority issues paper "LGBTIQA+ Health and Wellbeing" highlighted local issues and needs.
Gippsland PHN acting chief executive officer Angela Jacob said the paper showed LGBTIQA+ people were at higher risk of poor mental health and suicidal behaviours and needed improved and safe access to appropriate services with a well-trained workforce.
A survey conducted by PHN in 2021 also showed LGBTIQA+ people were less likely to have a usual health care professional, see a doctor who was informed about any relevant specialist consultations or hospital stays, and perceive their health care professional as their centre of care.
"This pilot project will help us to understand if there are gaps to implementing LGBTIQA+ inclusive practices and provide guidance to address these gaps," Mrs Jacob said.
"There is enormous diversity within the LGBTIQA+ communities and some carry an even greater burden, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, trans and gender diverse people (especially young trans people), and people with an intersex variation.
"We need to ensure that everyone in our community can access the right care at the right time."
Expressions of interest will close on June 30, 2023.
Two general practices from each of the three Gippsland PHN sub-regions (Wellington/East Gippsland, Baw Baw/Latrobe and South Gippsland/Bass Coast) will be selected to undertake the free training.