The Wimmera Health Care Group chief executive has critiqued a draft Regional Healthcare Reform Policy, saying she doesn't see anything in it to help solve health staffing issues in the region.
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The draft policy, developed by Member for Mallee Anne Webster, involves changing the way health professionals are supported to help regional Australians access health in a timely manner.
Catherine Morley said attracting and retaining people in the Wimmera was related to a range of factors.
"It's not just primary care we need support in, it's in the specialists as well and the sustainability of those services to maintain it," she said.
"All of us agree primary care is essential for the way forward, but attracting people is related to livability and incentives and they weren't addressed either. There really wasn't anything new in it that gave me confidence these initiatives could solve our health situation."
"Our health needs are greater in Victoria, we have less doctors and livability issues with transport to get to appointments, so that could be reflecting what's going on in our emergency departments.
Dr Webster said she raised the draft policy to the National Party's policy meeting on February 4, and would ultimately pursue Health Minister Greg Hunt and Regional Services Minister Mark Coulton for a commitment to the process.
"We have just completed a second draft and the document has been sent back to stakeholders," she said.
Dr Webster said she welcomed feedback from all who have received the draft policy.
"Most understand the holistic approach that I've taken and agree structural change is needed," she said.
"I look forward to receiving Ms Morley's feedback to help inform the next draft."
Alexander Darling
Alexander has been a member of the Wimmera Mail-Times' editorial team since December 2018, covering politics, business and property among other rounds. He is a passionate St.Kilda and rock and roll fan, and has previously worked as a radio reporter in Port Macquarie and Gosford, NSW.
Alexander has been a member of the Wimmera Mail-Times' editorial team since December 2018, covering politics, business and property among other rounds. He is a passionate St.Kilda and rock and roll fan, and has previously worked as a radio reporter in Port Macquarie and Gosford, NSW.
