April 7, 2010
More doctors will be trained locally across Gippsland following the announcement of funding by the Federal Government to assist in the construction of training facilities at local GP clinics.
The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said $1.1 million would be provided to support the upgrade of training rooms at 15 general practices across Gippsland.
While full details of the successful clinics have not been announced, the Monash Gippsland Medical School is coordinating the program, which will see two medical students trained in each practice every year.
Mr Chester said it was well recognised that medical students who developed links with regional communities were more likely to practice in a regional setting when they graduated.
“All credit must go to the local doctors and Monash Gippsland who have been working together to provide opportunities to train the next generation of doctors for Gippsland,” Mr Chester said.
“This funding will assist with the upfront costs of providing training rooms and equipment – but the real challenge is being taken on by the local doctors who will dedicate their time to training new students and sharing their knowledge.
“There are many outstanding doctors in Gippsland who make a real difference by providing ‘on the job’ support for students. Their dedication is helping to train young doctors in the specific demands of rural medicine.”
Mr Chester had lobbied the Federal Government to support the application for funding which was lodged by Gippsland doctors last year. He said the recruitment and retention of doctors and specialists to regional areas was a key issue that needed to be addressed under the proposed national health reforms.
“The Rural Doctors’ Association of Australia (RDAA) reports that at least 1800 additional doctors are urgently required in regional Australia,” Mr Chester said.
“The critical shortage means many country families are facing long waits to visit their local GP.
“Rather than relying completely on overseas trained doctors to fill the void, there needs to be a focus on attracting and retaining Australian-trained doctors to rural and regional communities.
“Helping to provide quality training facilities is a positive move and there needs to be a better system of incentive payments to attract young doctors to rural areas and more support services to make sure they enjoy the experience and stay for the longer term.
“With the increased number of young medical students currently in training we have to do everything in our power to make sure that at least a reasonable number choose rural practice.”