Health

There is a chronic shortage of health workers in Australia, particularly in rural and remote areas.  Health workers, ranging from doctors and nurses to nurse practitioners and allied health professionals, have long been in short supply across many regions of NSW. The Association works closely with key representative bodies in lobbying for changes to improve health worker recruitment and retention. The Association is committed to addressing health professional shortages.

The Association is an active participant on mental health issues. Back in June 2005 the Association hosted a Rural Mental Health Forum in Parkes. The Forum resulted in the formation of a Rural Mental Health Network and the Network Blueprint. The Blueprint is currently guiding the Association’s efforts on mental health issues facing farmers and communities across NSW. The Rural Mental Health Network meets quarterly with their most recent meeting taking place on 31st March 2011.

Dental health has also emerged as a key issue for the Rural Affairs Committee. Addressing the emerging crisis in relation to the declining number of dentistry graduates in NSW, and the growing waiting lists for dental services are particular priorities.

In the coming year, the Rural Affairs team will be focused on delivering positive outcomes in the following areas:

• Health Workforce
• Community Health
• E-Health Services and access to Medicare
• National Health Reforms
• Mental Health (For the Association’s Rural Mental Health Network webpage please click here)
  

Related Issues

• Guide to Attracting and Retaining GPs
  In response to worrying predictions that 70% of NSW rural towns that have doctors are vulnerable to a significant loss of medical services over the next few years, and an almost 50% surge in rural doctor vacancies over the past year, the NSW Rural Doctors Network has launched a community guide to improve prospects of attracting a doctor. Titled, We want a Doctor… But does a Doctor want Us? The guide provides a check list and suggestions on how towns can go about improving their prospects of attracting a doctor in an environment where demand for rural GPs exceeds both the domestic and international supply. The community guide has been distributed to all NSW rural councils, but can also be downloaded here.

Links

• National Rural Health Alliance
  The 31 national organisations in the National Rural Health Alliance work collaboratively to improve the health and wellbeing of people in Australia’s rural and remote areas. One third of the population faces an annual health care deficit of at least $2.1 billion, and a range of other inequities. There is currently a major opportunity to empower rural and remote people through the establishment of Medicare Locals, leading towards equal health for all Australians by 2020. www.ruralhealth.org.au

• Rural Doctors Association of Australia
  The Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA) was formed in 1991 and is a national body representing the interests of rural medical practitioners right around Australia. Our vision is for excellent medical care for rural and remote communities. RDAA comprises the Rural Doctors Association (RDA) of each State and Territory representing rural doctors from right around the country. State RDAs are autonomous entities which negotiate with government and other bodies in their own jurisdictions. Members are typically drawn from small rural towns and remote areas. www.rdaa.com.au

• NSW Nurses Association
  The New South Wales Nurses' Association (NSWNA) is the registered union for all nurses in New South Wales. The Association represents the industrial interest of nurses employed under all awards and agreements registered in this State in both the public and private sectors. Its role is to protect the interests of nurses and the nursing profession. www.nswnurses.asn.au

• Royal Flying Doctor Service
  The Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (RFDS) is one of the largest and most comprehensive aeromedical organisations in the world. Using the latest in aviation, medical and communications technology, it delivers extensive primary health care and 24-hour emergency service to those who live, work and travel throughout Australia. www.flyingdoctor.org.au