The Finocchiaro CLP Government continues to take action and deliver for the bush, announcing funding to improve gut health in remote communities.
Minister for Health Steve Edgington said the CLP Government has committed funding to the Regional, Remote, and Indigenous (RRI) Program to improve gut health in remote communities.
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.
"As part of our year of action, certainty and security, the CLP Government is continuing to take action to improve health in the bush, backing the RRI program.
"The program is an initiative developed by the Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA) in partnership with NT Health, with the government contributing funding of $48,000 a year."
"Having trained specialists in our NT Health hospitals means Territorians can get the care they need closer to home - and it helps us keep skilled professionals in the Territory," Mr Edgington said.
The funding boost 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.
Benedict Devereaux, Strategic Lead, GESA Regional Remote and Indigenous Committee, said, "GESA is delighted to partner with NT Health on the Regional, Remote, and Indigenous (RRI) Program.
"We are committed to the highest quality gastroenterology care for all Australians. The combination of the gastroenterology fellowship positions in both Darwin and Alice Springs with the annual gut centre conference in Alice Springs will enhance gastroenterology care closer to home for Territorians, especially those living in remote communities."
Since 2022, 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.
There is currently one gastroenterology trainee doctor at Alice Springs Hospital and one at Royal Darwin Hospital.
The success of the program has expanded the scope of practice for dietitians and reduced specialist workloads, improving access to gastroenterology care in remote areas.
The program includes the Gut Centre Conference bringing Australia's leaders in gastroenterology, liver disease and endoscopy to Alice Springs.
