Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Aged care initiatives welcomed but let’s look beyond the general practice
environment
Royal College of Nursing, Australia (RCNA) is pleased the Federal Government
has recognised a number of important RCNA identified funding priorities that
have been included in this year’s Federal Budget.
RCNA, Australia’s peak professional nursing organisation has welcomed the
$18.7m to trial new models of care to expand and improve the role of nurse
practitioners in aged care.
RCNA Acting CEO, Dr Marg McLeod says we have lobbied extensively for a
national examination of funding options to allow nurse practitioners to manage
the health care needs of aged care populations. This is positive development for
aged care services and the nursing profession.
“With regard to the Federal Government’s $390.3m investment to attract more
nurses to general practice, RCNA sees this as a positive move towards overall
reform of Australia’s health care system,” she said.
“However, RCNA is urging the Government to ensure it also embraces the role of
nurses and midwives in community and primary health care beyond the general
practice environment.
“It is critical that any national investment in community and primary health care
nursing and midwifery must not be limited to the provision of funding through
general practice as this model imposes a significant limitation on the reach,
accessibility and flexibility of nursing and midwifery services,” she said.
RCNA is also pleased to see funding for a rural locum program for 3000 nurses.
“This program which aims to address workforce issues such as work/life balance
could contribute towards sustaining the nursing profession in rural and remote
areas of Australia,” she said.
“However, it’s disappointing that the Federal Government has failed to recognise
RCNA’s push for a national rural nursing and midwifery work environments and
lifestyle assessment,” she said.
Contact:
Karen Warner Media & Communications Manager
0409 129 634
NEWS 
