RWAV’s Working Together to Enhance Victoria’s Rural Health Workforce Conference
Last week I had the pleasure of speaking at the Rural Workforce Agency Victoria’s (RWAV) first conference, which was titled ‘Working Together to Enhance Victoria’s Rural Health Workforce’.
In addition to outlining the role of PHNs in the primary health care sector and where Western Victoria Primary Health Network (WVPHN) allocates its funds, I also spoke about the significant challenges that the primary health care sector currently faces, particularly in the rural context, and the recommendations of the recently released Strengthening Medicare Taskforce Report.
In particular, I spoke about how changes made to the Distribution Priority Area (DPA) classification last year have made it even more difficult for rural areas to attract doctors.
Despite all the challenges we face in rural primary health, it was wonderful to spend a day in a room full of inspiring and motivated health professionals, all of whom are dedicated to ensuring that the primary health sector will adapt to the challenges and changing needs of our community.
Partnerships pave the way in new approach to mental health care
We recently announced significant changes to the way that mental health services funded by WVPHN will be delivered. These changes come on the back of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System as well as the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan 2021, which highlighted systemic failures in the provision of mental health care.
After extensive consultation with health care providers, people with lived experience and their families, we have developed a new partnership model where service providers formally work collaboratively to provide seamless care for the community.
I recently wrote a short blog article outlining these important changes, which I’ve shared on LinkedIn.
Terang & Mortlake’s Dr Neil Jackson Honoured
Finally, I’d like to congratulate retired GP, Dr Neil Jackson, who was honoured with a Life Governor Award last week at Terang and Mortlake Health Services’ annual general meeting. Dr Jackson, who worked for more than 35 years as a GP in the Terang and Mortlake community, received the award for his dedicated approach to health care. A number of other health professionals at Terang and Mortlake Health Services were also recognised for their long service and dedication, you can read more here.
Rowena Clift, WVPHN CEO
22 February 2023