College President Dr Dan Halliday participated as a presenter and panellist in the annual AMA/DEA webinar: Australia’s Doctors – driving action on climate change which was held on 12 September.
Dan’s presentation outlined ACRRM’s policy and advocacy on climate and health, noting that rural and remote communities often experience the impacts of climate on their mental and physical health and broader sustainability. He emphasised that Rural Generalists are uniquely placed to provide primary care; contribute to public health initiatives; assist in planning for climate and health alleviation and response; respond to natural disasters and emergencies; and act as community leaders and advocates.
The Department of Health and Aged Care will shortly open a second round of consultation on the National Health and Climate Strategy, which is being developed in recognition of the urgent need to mitigate health system emissions and support the health system and the community to be better prepared for, and resilient to, the health impacts of climate change. The Strategy is expected to be finalised by the end of the year.
To maximise its effectiveness, the strategy needs to strike a balance between ensuring safety and quality of patient care, harmonisation with existing strategies, and minimising compliance burdens on a system already under pressure. It needs to be properly funded to achieve its aims and likewise health service providers and health organisations must be fully supported and funded to deliver sustainable, adaptable, and resilient health care.
As a trainer of the next generation of rural doctors, ACRRM is committed to developing policy and progressing toward reducing its own organisational carbon footprint, as well as educating and supporting its members on practical ways that they can make a positive contribution. The College will notify members when the second round of consultation opens for feedback.
Delegates to the RMA conference will have the opportunity to contribute to discussion and provide input into College policy and response by participating in the climate and health workshop. More details will be available in the conference program.
We also encourage members to join the College Climate and Health Discussion Group on the ACRRM Connect platform.
Please contact Policy@acrrm.org.au at any time if you would like to provide feedback on a particular issue or consultation.
You can read more about the College’s work in Climate and Health on our website.