Regional healthcare worker shortages continue to worsen after a decade of government inaction
3 years, 7 months ago

Regional healthcare worker shortages continue to worsen after a decade of government inaction

ABC  

It is a perennial problem with very few answers — how to get doctors and other healthcare workers to regional and rural parts of the country. "The last of the the National Rural Health strategy was in 2011 and unfortunately, it didn't get properly implemented," CEO of the National Rural Health Alliance Gabrielle O'Kane said. "It's incredibly difficult because there are lots of conditions for doctors to come to rural areas if they are coming from overseas," she said. "If people don't have this health services here, they will leave the town or they won't buy into the town, and then we will all suffer," she said. The Federal Regional Health Minister Mark Coulton said "improving the distribution of doctors rural areas is a key focus".

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History of this topic

New residents moving to regional areas urged to advocate for better health resources
7 months, 2 weeks ago

New residents moving to regional areas urged to advocate for better health resources

ABC  

Rebecca Knewstubb and her family were hoping for a sense of calm when they traded their hectic life on the Gold Coast for a quiet part of the central Queensland coastline. "We've considered moving back so that we can get treatment for Annabelle," Ms Knewstubb said. "She doesn't go out, she won't leave the house because she's scared that she …

City-country mortality gap widens amid persistent holes in rural health care access
8 months, 1 week ago

City-country mortality gap widens amid persistent holes in rural health care access

Salon  

In Matthew Roach’s two years as vital statistics manager for the Arizona Department of Health Services, and 10 years previously in its epidemiology program, he has witnessed a trend in mortality rates that has rural health experts worried. As Roach tracked the health of Arizona residents, the gap between mortality rates of people living in rural areas and those of …

Mass exodus of GPs from health system prompts dire warning from regional doctors
2 years, 2 months ago

Mass exodus of GPs from health system prompts dire warning from regional doctors

ABC  

Yarrawonga-based doctor Clyde Ronan has been working in general practice for 40 years. Key points: The Rural Doctors Association is calling for immediate reform of the GP system A high number of GPs are leaving the industry across the country Doctors say there are not enough new recruits to replace those leaving Now 70, he says while he still enjoys …

Rural health at crisis point as towns go without local doctors, fund their own medical practice
2 years, 7 months ago

Rural health at crisis point as towns go without local doctors, fund their own medical practice

ABC  

Packing up his car for another arduous journey, Paul Lane is spending his precious final years travelling long distances to get treatment for the pain caused by terminal liver cancer. Key points: Moura hasn't had a permanent GP since December; residents resort to telehealth or driving to Biloela National Rural Health Alliance says there is a persistent maldistribution of health …

Doctor availability in regional Australia limited by declining workforce
2 years, 7 months ago

Doctor availability in regional Australia limited by declining workforce

ABC  

Mount Gambier residents are waiting two or three weeks to visit their regular GP as a result of a shortfall that has failed to gain traction in federal election campaigning. Key points: An ongoing shortage of regional GPs has some patients waiting weeks for an appointment An ageing rural GP workforce means the situation may get worse Despite the issues, …

Federal funding for rural health placements as industry calls for greater student retention
2 years, 10 months ago

Federal funding for rural health placements as industry calls for greater student retention

ABC  

A South Australian university has announced plans to expand its student placement program in the Riverland in a push to ease the region's health workforce shortages. Key points: More students will be placed in healthcare settings as part of the RHMT program's expansion Workforce shortages in the Riverland have resulted in some hospitals running with reduced services The National Rural …

Doctors warn health services in regional SA could 'self-destruct' as contract negotiations stall
3 years, 5 months ago

Doctors warn health services in regional SA could 'self-destruct' as contract negotiations stall

ABC  

South Australian doctors warn health services outside Adelaide will "self-destruct" if negotiations for a new contract covering regional doctors are not successful. Key points: The agreement under which regional doctors work in SA hospitals has expired Negotiations with the state government to renew the agreement have stalled Doctors want more pay, support and professional development opportunities The state's Rural Doctors …

Regional GP clinics at risk of closure due to 'critical' doctor shortage
3 years, 6 months ago

Regional GP clinics at risk of closure due to 'critical' doctor shortage

ABC  

A NSW South Coast-based doctor is on the brink of closing her practice due to a critical GP shortage sweeping through regional Australia. Key points: GPs say they are struggling to keep clinics open due to a chronic shortage of doctors Experts say the shortage is due to some areas not being eligible to employ overseas-trained doctors The federal government …

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