The Allan Labor Government is making it easier for regional Victorians to get the specialist care they need, closer to home.
Labor is supporting more consultant anaesthetists to undertake training and work in the regions.
Minister Thomas visited Ballarat Base Hospital today to meet one of the first graduates of the Victorian Regional Anaesthetic Training Network (VRATN).
The program was established in 2021 to offer trainee anaesthetists a five-year training pathway.
It encourages future specialists to consider a long-term career in regional Victoria.
Over the past years, the VRATN has accredited eight regional health services to host the trainees.
As part of their training, trainees spend three years in regional hospitals and one year in a metropolitan hospital.
Trainees must then complete a fifth year as a Provisional Fellow at their chosen hospital - honing their skills and experience in rural areas.
There are currently 18 trainees gaining hands-on experience across the eight services - these include:
