Nod for new health scheme
Member for Mallee Anne Webster has spoken of the benefits of a new program designed to boost regional health services.
Dr Webster, in welcoming the Allied Health Rural Generals Workforce and Education Scheme, said the two-year program would create incentives for allied health professionals and better equip them with the skills needed for rural practice.
“Allied health professionals are essential to our regional areas because they support local community needs and the GPS they work with,” she said.
“I have been working hard since being elected on putting a lens on the gaps in rural healthcare in Mallee.
“Increasing allied health professionals in our region and providing training for them in their place of work are two key elements addressed in this scheme.
“Mallee needs more GPS and allied health professionals to support them in a team environment.
“I am thrilled therapists will have this opportunity to train in the rural generalist post-graduate courses and know it will improve outcomes for people in the bush.”
Regional Services, Decentralisation and Local Government Minister Mark Coulton said the scheme would drive improvements in allied health recruitment and retention rates in the regions.
“Allied health professionals in regional areas can be dealing with a baby one minute, and then a frail or aged person the next, so this scheme is about improving their capabilities to better deal with the varied nature of rural work,” he said.
“The program will boost the capability of graduates or those already working in the field, by teaching them skills on how to manage and where to find more support for complex patients, how to consult via telehealth and how they can access additional services for patients who might need it.
“A broad range of rural allied health service providers working in primary health care, aged care and disability sectors will benefit, including nutrition and dietetics, occupational therapy, pharmacy, physiotherapy, podiatry, radiography, speech pathology, psychology and social work.”
Minister Coulton said a similar scheme was already operating in the health system but would expand to include rural private practice and non-government organisations.
“This scheme complements the work being undertaken by Rural Health Commissioner Professor Paul Worley,” he said.
“Prof Worley will soon present his advice to government on ways to improve the quality, access and distribution of allied health services in regional, rural and remote Australia.”
Minister Coulton said the $3.2-million investment would enable 20 level-one scholarships valued at $10,000 and 20 level-two scholarships, $28,000, to be on offer, initially at James Cook University, with more universities expected to join.
He said funding was also available to help employers cover back-filling positions and provide travel and accommodation for students to attend training.