Bolstering NT Health Services with more surgeons, digi-health solutions

The Territory Labor Government is growing NT Health services, while also creating greater accessibility across the sector.

While strengthening the health workforce, making sure the services are more accessible is also a must.

A new project which will optimise digital solutions and telehealth will help to improve access to comprehensive primary health care in remote communities in the Northern Territory.

The Digital Health Cooperative Research Centre (DHCRC) project is being led by NT Health and Menzies School of Health Research and will evaluate how existing and emerging technologies can best be utilised in remote communities.

Through bringing care closer to home, the project aims to improve access, equity and outcomes for patients in remote communities and reduce their need to travel away from home.

The three-year project will focus on co-designing, implementing and evaluating digital health strategies, working directly with primary health care service providers and members of the community. This will ensure the development of virtual care models meets the specific needs of remote communities in the NT.

The project brings together a range of partners including the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, the University of Sydney, Healthdirect and the NT Primary Health Network (PHN).

Recently, the Territory Government also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Royal Australian College of Surgeons which will:

1. Establish a training program for surgeons in the Territory;
2. Identify and develop opportunities for the training of Indigenous surgeons;
3. Explore ways in which Indigenous health outcomes can be improved within the Northern Territory;
4. Develop strategies to enable the retention of the workforce within the Northern Territory.

Chief Minister and Minister for Health Natasha Fyles said, “The Territory Labor Government is delivering more health services to ensure patients secure access to quality healthcare regardless of where they live.

“Telehealth services have played a massive role in boosting our response to this pandemic and will continue to be a vital tool into the future.

“Training surgeons in the Territory will mean we can retain our workforce and not lose our talent to eastern states.

“We are providing health services to all Territorians in remote communities and ensuring people can access high-quality healthcare closer to home,” she said.

Ritchelle Drilon

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Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.

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