The Jobs and Skills Summit can be a turning point for Australia’s health workforce if the policy lens is widened beyond GP numbers, and a coordinated national plan is developed to address broader skills shortages says the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA).
Response to the Jobs and Skills Summit Issues Paper by the Australian Physiotherapy Association
August 2022
At the height of an aged care workforce crisis, the sector is facing further pressures from diminishing allied health staff, the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) has told a Senate hearing on the Government’s Aged Care Amendment Bill.
“We’re hearing reports from a major provider that up to 50 per cent of physiotherapists will be let go, meaning 50 per cent less physiotherapy within residential aged care,” APA President Scott Willis told the hearing on Thursday.
The Federal Government’s Aged Care Amendment Bill is a welcome first step in over-due sector reform, but more is required to meet the complex healthcare needs of older people.
The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) and Dementia Australia are calling for timely and ongoing access to appropriately funded physiotherapy for people living with dementia.
A long-term vision for health is nowhere to be found this election campaign. The devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have exposed a broken health care system in need of significant reform. Commitment to funding greater access to allied health and multidisciplinary care that encompasses the entire health workforce is vital.
The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) today reiterated its call for a transformational national plan to address critical workforce shortage issues in healthcare, beyond simply increasing numbers of doctors and nurses. Optimal care relies on multidisciplinary teams working together and leveraging the skills of a range of health professionals.
Transforming the health system requires a national workforce policy solution that includes incentives to drive strong skills growth alongside policies that improve efficiencies by advancing team-based care.
Over 6 million cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Australia, with more than 7,600 tragic deaths and many of those affected still living with the long-term effects of their infection. The establishment of long-COVID clinics is a critical step to support the recovery of those living with the condition.