ACRRM calls for governments to support specific strategies to improve rural and remote healthcare

The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) urges the Commonwealth, states, and territories not to forget about the unique needs and circumstances of rural and remote communities as they look to address the nationwide shortage of specialist General Practitioners (GPs) and the consequent access to healthcare services.   

 

College President Dr Dan Halliday says that bespoke strategies are needed to increase the rural and remote medical workforce and support medical practices.   

 

“Rural and remote communities are very different to urban areas, and this extends to models of medical practice,” Dr Halliday says. 

 

‘While all general practices currently face a range of challenges, rural and remote healthcare services face additional financial and workforce pressures which require different solutions. 

 

“This is why the College is calling for a suite of policies that are designed in consultation with rural stakeholders, for rural and remote communities.” 

 

Dr Halliday says that these policies may involve specific incentives, loadings and rebates for Rural Generalist (RG) practitioners who are providing services in rural and remote communities. 

 

“We need to recognise the additional costs, challenges and skills that are required to treat a wide range of presentations across general practice, community primary care and small hospital facilities, often with limited access to on-ground support.” 

 

Dr Halliday stresses that rural and remote medicine is an interesting and rewarding career path. 

 

“The ACRRM education program is designed to support a specialist RG model of practice which equips Fellows with the knowledge and skills they need to be able to practise confidently across a broad skillset and meet as many healthcare needs as possible within the communities where they live and work. 

 

“The high retention rate of ACRRM Fellows who continue to work in rural and remote attests to the success of the program. 

 

“We will continue our efforts to develop highly trained and skilled RGs and support them through our professional development and other programs. 

 

“However, they need adequate infrastructure, and financial support. 

 

“As leaders in rural and remote medicine, ACRRM is ready to work with governments and other stakeholders to design and deliver the separate and specialised rural and remote initiatives that are required, to provide the right doctors, with the right skills, into communities where they are urgently needed.” 

 

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