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Rural rescue package needed for Victoria’s medical workforce
16 September 2010.
The next Victorian Government must commit to a rural medical workforce rescue package to improve attraction and retention of country doctors and ensure country Victorians’ access to medical care in the future, says AMA Victoria president Dr Harry Hemley.
Launching the first of AMA Victoria’s election policies in Hamilton today, Dr Hemley said the Victorian Government could not afford to overlook country Victoria’s doctor shortage any longer.
"We are just ten weeks out from the Victorian election. It’s now time for the Labor Government and the Liberal/National Coalition to show Victoria they have a plan for the future of the state’s health system. That plan must include an expansion of services to cater for our growing population and it must address country doctor shortages."
"Rural communities deserve access to a doctor when they are sick, injured or go into labour. A rural rescue package is just one way to address workforce shortage issues and ensure after-hours country hospital care isn’t just a thing of the past."
Dr Hemley said he hoped the major parties would adopt a rural and regional health policy in the lead-up to the election that looked beyond the marginal seats.
"The Brumby Government’s recent investment in rural health infrastructure was significant and welcome, as was the Coalition’s promises to rebuild rural hospitals. However, almost nothing has been done to ensure there are enough doctors to work in these country hospitals.
"I want the government and the opposition to commit to a rural rescue package which helps to attract doctors throughout country Victoria and gives them more reasons to stay.
Dr Hemley said there was a shortage of experienced doctors right around the state and a surplus of medical positions. “We need to put plans in place now that make country practise more attractive to doctors of all ages," he said. "Without a strong medical workforce, country Victoria cannot thrive and prosper."
AMA Victoria’s Rural Rescue Package 2010-2014 calls on the major parties to commit to a rural medical workforce rescue package which includes:
- Payments for general practitioners for out of hours telephone consultations with hospitals to improve access to information and care.
- Rural relocation allowances for general practitioners and specialists, including recognising long service leave entitlements from other states, to aid recruitment.
- Retention allowances for hospital doctors who have spent at least seven years in regional Victoria to recognise service and improve access to care.
- Increased staffing levels, including more VMOs, at rural hospitals. The high risks of fatigue due to poor roster design and staffing shortages are well known in rural hospitals.
- More doctors to help provide a reasonable on-call ratio and ensure comprehensive after-hours care.
- More support for health ICT in regional and rural areas to improve the interface between general practice and hospitals.
For more information on AMA Victoria's Rural Rescue Package, click here.
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