A TWO year education program has will soon be introduced for allied health professionals to be better supported while working in regional areas such as Mildura.
Member for Mallee Anne Webster welcomed the announcement by Regional Services, Decentralisation, and Local Government Minister Mark Coulton.
“Allied health professionals are essential to our regional areas because they support local community needs and the GPs they work with,” Ms Webster said.
“I have been working hard since being elected on putting a lens on the gaps in rural health care in Mallee.
“Increasing allied health professionals in our region, and providing training for them in their place of work, are two key elements which are addressed in this scheme.”
The program will create incentives for allied health professionals to work in regional areas and better equip them with the skills needed for rural practice.
“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,” she said.
Minister Coulton said the Allied Health Rural Generalist Workforce and Education 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 may need it.”
The $3.2 million Liberal and National Government investment will enable 20 level one scholarships valued at $10,000 and 20 level two scholarships valued at $28,000 to be offered initially at James Cook University, with more universities expected to join.
Funding is also available to help employers cover back-filling positions and provide travel and accommodation for students to attend training.
