The Nationals and Liberals have announced a comprehensive plan to tackle eastern Victoria’s health workforce shortages, so families can access the healthcare they need closer to home.
If elected to government, The Nationals and Liberals will invest $40 million over four years to establish a Victorian Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme, offering doctors, nurses, midwives and allied health professionals incentives up to $10,000 to take up hard-to-fill positions in regional Victoria to assist with accommodation and relocation expenses.
The Nationals’ Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Melina Bath, said the plan is centred on building a strong and sustainable healthcare workforce for Gippsland.
“Regional hospitals cannot provide the services communities rely on without skilled doctors, nurses, midwives and allied health professionals,” Ms Bath said.
“Our practical plan will attract more health workers to eastern Victoria, strengthen the workforce pipeline and help regional health services fill critical vacancies.”
Under the scheme, eligible healthcare workers will receive support packages including relocation assistance, accommodation support and professional development opportunities to encourage more professionals to establish long-term careers in regional communities.
The initiative will be modelled on a successful NSW program and targeted towards areas experiencing the greatest workforce pressures.
It recognises housing remains a major barrier to recruitment, accommodation for healthcare workers, so it will be incorporated into suitable regional hospital developments, including new hospital projects at Wonthaggi and West Gippsland.
Ms Bath said healthcare workforce shortages remain one of the biggest challenges facing hospitals across Gippsland.
“Too often, regional health services are competing with metropolitan hospitals for staff.
“Our plan promotes regional Victoria as an attractive place to live, work and build a career, and delivers hospitals the support they need to recruit and retain skilled health professionals.
“It’s about delivering long-term benefits for patients, healthcare workers and regional communities.
“The Nationals and Liberals are committed to supporting frontline health workers and ensuring Gippsland families have better access to stronger healthcare system closer to home.”
Caption – The Nationals and Liberals have announced a comprehensive plan to tackle eastern Victoria’s health workforce shortages, so families can access the healthcare they need closer to home. Pictured: Liberal Leader Jess Wilson, The Nationals’ Melina Bath, Shadow Minister for Health Georgie Crozier
