Monday 8 February 202 1 Feeding return on investment: Budget must prioritise nutrition for the nation's health Dietitians Australia urges the Australian Federal Government to ensure the 2021 -22 Budget provides adequate funding to support Australians to make appropriate food cho ices for their health.
This comes as part of 14 key recommendations submitted for consideration to the Treasury which includes increase d access to dietetic care and invest ment in public health nutrition campaigns.
Telehealth has revolutionised access to healthcare over the past year, reducing several barriers.
Continuing telehealth dietetic services as a permanent fixture to Medi care is vital to ensur e all Australians can access high quality nutrition care.
"The option for dietetic support via telehealth, when appropriate, has been essential. Since the pandemic, we've seen a 300% uptake of dietetic services for eating disorder treatment delivered both in person and virtually," said Simone Austin, Accredited Practising Dietitian and Dietitians Au stralia 's Senior Dietetic Advisor.
With the pandemic likely to have an on -going impact on many areas of heath, such as eating disorders and other mental health conditions, online access to dietetic services is a must.
