In the lead up to the federal election, the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) urges political parties to take a community-centered and strategic approach to rural health policies and commitments.
ACRRM President Dr Ewen McPhee has welcomed funding announcements from both parties, in particular the bipartisan commitment to funding towards the implementation of a National Rural Generalist Pathway. However, he says consideration must also be given to the complex workforce and infrastructure issues in rural communities throughout Australia.
“There is a temptation to throw big dollars at complex problems, expecting a simple solution,” Dr McPhee says. “It’s just not going to happen. “I encourage politicians of all parties to sit down with regional people, with country people with youth, and health professionals who are working at the coalface, to hear what they have to say.
“We need to make sure this money is going to the right people at the right time and in the right places.”
Dr McPhee highlights mental health, virtual health and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ health as three areas where communities are calling for action.
“General Practitioners (GPs) are often the first point of contact for rural and remote people who are seeking treatment for a wide range of mental health conditions,” Dr McPhee explains. “And, rural and remote GPs have a unique opportunity to provide holistic mental health care, crossing the siloes of mental health care, and providing care across the illness spectrum and the lifespan.
“Given this, it’s important that GPs who provide mental health services to their communities are appropriately trained, remunerated and supported,” Dr McPhee says.
On behalf of the College, Dr McPhee calls for further investment in digital health to foster innovation and the adoption of strategies that will complement face-to-face services provided by local doctors and promote the delivery of high-quality continuity of care for rural and remote patients.
“It is essential that MBS rebates for GP item numbers are developed in consultation with the College and other relevant stakeholders including the Rural Doctors Association of Australia, to ensure they support communities and practitioners in rural and remote regions,” he adds.
“The College strongly supports strategic investment to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and particularly those living in rural and remote areas. Once again, this investment should be made in close consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to ensure that it is meeting their needs.
“We also call for increased support to enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical students and junior doctors to undertake further training, and in particular to achieve Fellowship of ACRRM.
“As politicians look for solutions they look for quick fixes, but to understand the complexities of the environment we live in in rural Australia, they need to listen to rural people,” he adds.
To access ACRRM’s pre-election submission, please click here.