The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) National Rural Faculty (NRF) has recently reinforced the need to eliminate long-standing health disparities between rural, remote and urban communities in Australia.
In its submission to the Senate Inquiry, The factors affecting the supply of health services and medical professionals in rural areas, the NRF’s paper calls on the Government to address the entire range of essential requirements specific to rural and remote communities, from workforce shortages to gaps in resources and services.
NRF Chair, Dr Kathryn Kirkpatrick said in order to achieve a more responsive and better coordinated health system in the future, the government must foster rural innovation, improve access to high quality healthcare for all and look at ways to reduce duplication and gaps in the system.
“This Inquiry, together with the work of Health Workforce Australia in its recent reform effort, finally brings to focus the workforce supply issues that have plagued rural health for years and which have led to significant urban/rural health disparities,” Dr Kirkpatrick said.
“Perhaps one of the most important elements to rural health reform is redefining the way in which gaps in services and resources are identified. A national approach in determining local health needs and workforce shortage will be imperative to the success of the reform effort.
Noting the complexities around recruitment and retention, in addition to lack of flexibility in funding arrangements, Dr Kirkpatrick highlighted the need to diversify the general practice training pathways to expand the availability and flexibility of procedural training.
“The NRF’s submission outlines the importance of securing a rural workforce with advanced skills across a range of disciplines for the future and the need for further investment in rurally oriented medical training and rural experience. To ensure quality training, strong rural curriculum and increased clinical attachments, matched with additional support structures must be provided.
“At the core of the training issues is the need for expanded general practice training capacity and adequate remuneration for teaching. There is also the need for contingencies at the practice level, for coordinating rural placements across the training continuum.
The NRF’s submission also calls for national leadership on workforce reform, stating that efforts must be made to limit the capacity of the states to create divisions in the profession through local workforce programs.
“Developing a more responsive national policy toward workforce reform will deter the need for the development of State-based medical workforce initiatives.
In addition, the submission states the need to move from the current funding and delivery models to more flexible ways of working.
“It is clear the Australian Standard Geographical Classification – Remoteness Area (ASGC-RA) system is limiting the success of rural reforms.
The RACGP NRF commends the Senate Community Affairs Committee for its commitment to addressing the barriers in rural and remote health and remains committed to working on solutions that will help to improve the health and wellbeing of those living in rural and remote communities.
To view the RACGP NRF’s submission into the Senate Inquiry, The factors affecting the supply of health services and medical professionals in rural areas, visit: www.racgp.org.au/reports/45553