Collaboration is crucial to improving rural health outcomes

The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) is calling for consistent and coordinated oversight of rural healthcare issues across all levels of government.

ACRRM President Dr Sarah Chalmers says the division of service responsibilities between federal, state and territory governments, has led to blame shifting, duplication and poor coordination of rural and remote healthcare services.

“The upcoming federal election provides the opportunity for candidates and parties to commit to strong leadership to improve collaboration and communication and drive rural and remote healthcare reform.

“In order to maximise local capacity and access for communities, a systematic, proactive approach supported by adequate funding and resourcing must be adopted.

“This cross-sector collaboration needs to be driven by the federal government,” Dr Chalmers adds.

As well as coordinating system and funding efforts, Dr Chalmers says there is an urgent need to develop better, nationally consistent health service data to inform and evaluate the provision of primary care in rural and remote Australia.

“Identification of minimum standards of access to healthcare for every Australian is vital to deliver positive rural health outcomes,” Dr Chalmers says.

“Now is the time to commit to immediate action to address these issues which contribute to disparities in access to healthcare services for rural and remote communities across Australia.”

“As a College, we are best placed to work with key government, community, and industry stakeholders to secure strong and sustainable rural and remote healthcare services.

“We will continue to advocate for our members and for the rural and remote, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people they serve.”

To view ACRRM’s election priorities, visit our Advocacy page.

ENDS