About UsOur visionA health workforce providing accessible,quality health care services in rural and remote Australia. Our roleRural Health Workforce Australia’s role is to work with the Rural Workforce Agencies (RWAs) to develop national solutions to improve the recruitment and retention of the health workforce throughout rural and remote Australia. RHWA and its member RWAs are funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing; RWAs are also funded by their respective State Governments for various programs, services and projects. Our strategic plan for 2007-2010 is informed by the issues that are most critical to the ongoing viability of health services in rural and remote Australia.
Key points• 30 per cent of people live in rural and remote Australia • Primary health care, such as general practice, is critical to a community’s health and wellbeing • Rural people generally have poorer health than their city counterparts • There are too few health professionals in rural and remote Australia • There will continue to be a shortage of health professionals in rural and remote Australia for at least 15 years • International Medical Graduates (IMGs) form a significant proportion of the workforce in rural and remote Australia Strategic prioritiesGiven this context, Rural Health Workforce Australia will focus on three goals: 1. Making general practice viable in rural and remote Australia 2. Supporting International Medical Graduates to live and work in rural and remote Australia 3. Ensuring that future health professionals are attracted to rural and remote health careers Underlying all goals and strategies is a commitment to the health workforce needs of Indigenous communities. How we operateWe will work in partnership with our member Rural Workforce Agencies to complement their on-the-ground knowledge and expertise. We will use the available evidence and undertake research to better understand the contextual issues. We will also undertake trials so that any solutions are tested for their effectiveness. We will develop and advocate for the implementation of evidence based programs that benefi t the health of rural and remote Australians. Click here to download Rural Health Workforce Australia’s Strategic Plan 2007 – 2010. In August 2007, ARRWAG changed its name to Rural Health Workforce Australia. |
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