The Hon Mark Coulton MP
Minister for Regional Health, Regional Communications and Local Government
Remote health peak CRANAplus will continue to support health professionals in remote and isolated communities, with a $14.4 million investment from the Australian Government.
Federal Regional Health Minister, Mark Coulton said CRANAplus was well placed to deliver the Government's Training and Professional Support for the Remote Health Workforce (TPSR) Program for an additional three years.
"The hard-working professionals who care for patients in the bush are often professionally, and personally isolated, and this training will be tailored to best assist them," Minister Coulton said.
"Through the TPSR Program, they will continue to receive training, support and services that are directly relevant and appropriate for their individual circumstances - wherever and however they practice.
"By supporting the recruitment and retention of these health professionals, we are improving access and outcomes for people living in the furthest reaches of the country."
CRANAplus is the peak professional body for the remote and isolated health sector of Australia, with more than 1,600 members.
Training under the TPSR Program is targeted to the needs of remote health professionals and the patients they care for. In particular, CRANAplus supports remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers to participate in targeted training.
The Government's investment in CRANAplus complements the Government's significant mental health initiatives, allowing CRANAplus to continue delivering online mental health workshops to health professionals supporting drought, bushfire and COVID-19 affected communities.
It also supports continued operation of CRANAplus' 24/7 Bush Support Line (1800 805 391), providing rural and remote health professionals, and their families, access to free confidential counselling services.
