Medical professionals gathered from across the state in Hobart on Saturday (1 June) to discuss hot healthcare topics impacting rural, remote and First Nations communities.

The multidisciplinary education day was coordinated by the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM), with support from Moreton Group Medical and Ambulance Tasmania  

Event facilitator, ACRRM Regional Director of Training (Tasmania) Dr Sally Street says it was an opportunity for Rural Generalists, pharmacists, non-GP specialists, paramedics, nurses, and allied health practitioners to come together to discuss how healthcare professionals can work together to ensure best healthcare outcomes for Tasmanians most at need. 

“Healthcare in Tasmania is unique,” Dr Street explains, “with communities widespread, and an identified shortage of healthcare professionals. 

“While we are seeing more doctors choosing to specialise as Rural Generalists, we still have a way to go to ensure all Tasmanians have equitable access to the healthcare we need.” 

A highlight of the day was a discussion on field enhancement and opportunities for future collaboration, led by a panel of local experts including: 

  • Myles Britza, pharmacist
  • Dr Kim Dobromislky, obstetrician gynaecologist 
  • Dr Natalie Burch, ACRRM Rural Generalist  
  • Karen Dare, paramedic  
  • Kristina Mullins, nurse practitioner  
  • Dr Claire Ramsden, clinical neuropsychologist and executive director of Allied Health for Hospitals South. 

“It is evident, from the discussion, that we need to ensure we are building strong team-based healthcare models that are principally focused on strengthening locally based resources and supporting local sustainability,” Dr Street says. 

“ACRRM promotes innovative care models in which all health practitioners are encouraged to work to their broadest scope in effective healthcare teams, and we welcome engagement with professional peers.  

“Healthcare is better when we do it together.

“While the conversation was robust, the panellists agreed that collaboration and field enhancement would benefit communities across the state, supporting patient care through cooperation, and innovation. 

“We agreed, while having more health practitioners on the ground is the main goal, communities will benefit from a multidisciplinary approach that will maintain the highest standard of patient safety within the rural and remote context. 

“It is vital we continue to have these important discussions with advocates and decision makers and remove barriers and enable healthcare teams to deliver care the way their rural, remote and First Nations communities need.” 

ENDS