In the lead up to the Tasmanian state election on 23 March, the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) calls on all political parties to commit to recognising and utilising the state’s highly skilled Rural Generalist (RG) workforce to maintain and support rural and remote maternity services in Tasmania.

The call comes as another maternity service in the north of the state announces its intent to close by the end of the year. The closure puts local women and babies at risk of having no access to the quality care they need and deserve.  

 ACRRM President Dr Dan Halliday says RGs can provide the healthcare required.

“Tasmania is the only Australian state or Territory not using Rural Generalists in maternity care teams,” Dr Halliday says.

“Because of this, many trained and skilled Tasmania RGs with skills in obstetrics and hospital services, as well as rural general practice, either fly in and out of other states, or have relocated interstate to practice their full RG scope. 

“Those who remain are unable to contribute to Tasmanian’s obstetric care, largely due to operational decisions.

“ACRRM believes that all Australians irrespective of location, deserve access to the highest possible standards of maternity care,” Dr Halliday says.

“Having RGs work with existing maternity services in Tasmania will improve healthcare outcomes for the state’s most vulnerable women and their families.

“It would alleviate workforce shortages and recruitment challenges and, with the implementation of policy and operational supports, encourage the next generation of RGs.

“Providing women with access to a high standard of care close to home minimises the economic and social imposts associated with travel to larger regional centres to access appropriate care. This in turn leads to better outcomes. 

“It also reduces burdens on the State health service.”

Dr Halliday says the model is already working in the Aboriginal health service in limilinaturi (Devonport).

“The feedback gathered from those using the service, and those working in it, is extremely positive.

“It’s time to expand fully into the Tasmanian healthcare system. and provide all people access to the care they need and deserve,” he says.

ACRRM recently submitted its feedback to the Select Committee on reproductive, maternal, and paediatric health services in Tasmania. The report will be published once the matter has been heard.