APA National President Dr Rik Dawson said improved access to physiotherapy is a cost-effective, high-impact option to combat the numerous challenges currently facing the state's health system.  

'Right now, Victoria faces a myriad of challenges to the health system, including rising demand, increasingly complex patient needs and continuing financial and workforce constraints.' 

'It doesn't have to be this way,' said Dr Dawson. 'The evidence shows us that increased timely access to physiotherapy is an investment which can have a significant positive impact on the health and well-being of Victorians across the health care spectrum, from keeping ageing Australians mobile, to reducing demand for avoidable surgery to identifying developmental delays earlier in Victoria's Thriving Kids participants.' 

'Too many Victorians are entering emergency departments, hospitals and surgical pathways when earlier access to physiotherapy could prevent deterioration, restore function and support effective care in the community,' said APA Victorian Branch President Dr. Caitlin Farmer. 

'Improved access to physiotherapy can help Victorians stay well, maintain independence, avoid unnecessary hospital and surgical care and receive the treatment they need closer to home, all while reducing downstream costs to the broader health care system.' said Dr. Farmer. 

The APA's Victorian State Election Statement highlights five key priorities for the election which will improve the health of Victorians, reduce costs and relieve pressure on the state's health system. These priorities include:  

• Prevent falls and keep older Victorians out of hospital: establish a statewide, physiotherapy-led falls prevention program 

• Reduce avoidable demand for hip and knee surgery: provide universal access to physiotherapy-led osteoarthritis management

• Give Victorian children the best start through physiotherapy: embed physiotherapy as a core component of Victoria’s Thriving Kids model 

• Reduce pressure on hospitals through advanced practice physiotherapy: Expand physiotherapy-led care in emergency departments and improve access to community-based physiotherapy 

• Grow the physiotherapy workforce to better support underserved Victorians: Invest in growing the physiotherapy workforce for women’s health and people living in regional communities