NRHA seeks funding for workforce

INCREASING funding to encourage allied health professionals to work in regional, rural and remote parts of Australia will help improve outcomes for patient the National Rural Health Alliance (NRHA) believes.

The NRHA said data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare and Health Workforce Australia, found there was an under representation of pharmacists, psychologists and other allied health professionals outside Australia’s major cities.

“Increasing the allied health workforce may not be a panacea, but it is evidently critical due to the nature of the health challenges faced by people living in these areas,” the NRHA said.

“Addressing allied health workforce shortages would make a significant difference to health outcomes if addressed alongside other rural health priorities.”