Rural health package a ‘significant first step’
Reading Time:2minutesRural health initiatives announced by the government this week are a significant first step towards addressing rural health inequities, says the Rural Health Network. The government. . .
Reading Time:2minutesRural health initiatives announced by the government this week are a significant first step towards addressing rural health inequities, says the Rural Health Network. The government announced three new initiatives that it says will assist rural clinicians with training, support emergency care, and grow the workforce. The package includes $2. 5 million to fund point-of-care ultrasound training and related support, funding for Primary Response in Medical Emergencies (PRIME) training, and $6 million to expand the National Rural Recruitment and Locum Support Service. Rural Health Network chief executive Grant Davidson said it has been advocating for some time for these initiatives on behalf of rural health professionals and communities. “For many years we have consistently advocated that improving rural health outcomes requires investment in the people delivering care. “Today’s announcement recognises that rural clinicians need the right training, support and workforce solutions if we are to provide equitable healthcare for rural New Zealanders,” he said. A package of government health initiatives boosting rural health has been welcomed by Rural Health Network chief executive Grant Davidson. In his announcement, Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey said he expected at least 140 rural clinicians to receive training in point-of-care ultrasound training over the next three years. “Giving rural clinicians better training means more people can get the care they need closer to home, while ensuring those who do need hospital care can be identified sooner. ”Rural Health Network chair Dr Fiona Bolden said rural clinicians regularly make complex decisions with limited resources. “Access to trained use of point-of-care ultrasound supports faster diagnosis, more informed clinical decision-making, and, where appropriate, allows more patients to receive care closer to home while reducing unnecessary travel. ”Doocey said about 29% of clinicians currently complete training in PRIME, many paying the $2000 cost themselves. Removing the cost should enable about 150 more rural clinicians to improve their urgent and emergency care skills over the next two years. Bolden said removing those financial barriers has been a longtime goal. New government initiatives should improve rural health services, says Rural Health Network chair Fiona Bolden. “Our members have repeatedly highlighted the importance of PRIME training, particularly in communities where emergency response times can be longer. ”The government is also investing $6 million to expand the National Rural Recruitment and Locum Support Service to include registered nurses and allied health professionals, another welcomed move. “Workforce recruitment and retention remain among the greatest challenges facing rural health providers,” said Davidson. “Expanding the service to include registered nurses and allied health professionals recognises the multidisciplinary nature of modern rural healthcare and will help build more sustainable teams. ”Issues still remain for rural health services, said Davidson, such as equitable funding, rural-proofed health policy, targeted IT/technology investment, a sustainable workforce and greater support for rural providers.