The Australian Medical Co-operative Ltd (AMCL) is one of Australia's newest, registered co-ops. In this article we see how collective action, sharing resources, equipment, knowledge and ideas, not only benefits the members, it flows on to the wider community.

The co-op was conceived to allow independent medical practitioners to share ownership of technologies and support services, normally beyond their individual capacity to access. "The challenge for the AMCL was to bring together competing, traditional local general practitioners in a common ownership situation," says Dr Joseph Nicholas, Chairman of AMCL.

"These practitioners have adopted the co-operative culture and demonstrate the sophistication required to manage the AMCL service centres in local regions, in collaboration with their colleagues," he says. Membership has now reached 300, with the majority in NSW.

AMCL's core business involves ownership and operation of regional allied health centres established to meet the therapeutic needs of patients of local general practitioners. The centres provide a wide range of therapeutic and support services including: physiotherapy, remedial massage, psychology, pain management, rehabilitation, and legal services. One of the strengths of the AMCL is that it allows general practitioners to retain control of patient management through close liaison with the therapy providers. With the bargaining power of 300 doctors, the AMCL has been able to broker significant savings in the purchasing and running costs for its members.

The structure of governance of the AMCL has created a transparent and compliant environment in which each member has equal influence and ownership and can confidently participate. A minimum of 80% of members must be general practitioners with all significant decisions requiring at least 75% agreement. Final approval lies with the Co-operatives Registrar, which ensures all members' rights are protected.

The AMCL is fast becoming the model for the preservation of traditional general practice. "Involvement, transparency and confidence are the major drivers in recruiting new members", says Dr Nicholas. Membership is open to medical practitioners and other parties who may access the services of the health centres.

For information about the AMCL, e-mail Dr Joseph Nicholas at: docjoenich@hotmail.com.