The annual Gut Centre Conference, which brings Australia's leaders in gastroenterology, liver disease and endoscopy to Central Australia, is being held 20-22 May.National and international medical professionals will attend the conference at Alice Springs HospitalThe CLP Government is helping keep skilled professionals in the Territory and backing in our frontline workers with more skills and training.
The Finocchiaro CLP Government is bringing leading gut health experts to the Red Centre, with Alice Springs Hospital to host an annual Gut Centre Conference.
The CLP Government has committed funding of $48,000 to the Regional, Remote, and Indigenous (RRI) Program to improve gut health in remote communities. The initiative is developed by the Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA) in partnership with Alice Springs Hospital.
The RRI program provides up to date gastroenterology training, specialist mentoring and education, and builds clinical and research links leading to improved patient outcomes, care closer to home and enhanced job satisfaction and staff retention.
The funding also supports the annual Gut Centre Conference, being held 20-22 May.
Minister for Health, Steve Edgington, said the conference would bring Australia's leaders in gastroenterology, liver disease and endoscopy to Alice Springs.
"As part of our year of growth, certainty and security, the CLP Government is continuing to take action to improve health across the Territory by supporting this conference and bringing gut health leaders and experts to Central Australia.
"National and international medical professionals will attend the conference at Alice Springs Hospital, as well as virtually, with hundreds expected to participate," Mr Edgington said.
The conference includes endoscopy teaching sessions, multi-department lectures, meetings and tutorials.
"This program means more trained specialists in our NT Health hospitals to help Territorians get the care they need closer to home reducing patient travel and costs.
"The CLP Government is focused on making the Territory the best place to live and work including for our health specialists as this program helps keep skilled professionals in the Territory and invests in our frontline workers with more skills and training.
"I announced late last year the funding will expand the program into smaller regional centres, extending specialist training and education to clinicians working in remote communities - and improving access to care for their patients," Mr Edgington said.
The RRI program has successfully established gastroenterology fellowship positions in Darwin and Alice Springs, delivered expert visiting professor sessions, and hosted the annual Gut Centre Conference at Alice Springs Hospital.
The program has enabled the expansion of practice for dietitians and reduced specialist workloads, improving access to gastroenterology care in remote areas.
Professor Richard Johnson, Deputy Director of Medical Services, Alice Springs Hospital said, "The collaboration between NT Health and GESA, specifically the Gut Centre education week is a unique opportunity to showcase what can be done when a peak body for a subspecialty works with a regional health service, delivering the highest standard of healthcare and improving access and equity."
