The Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA) has raised concerns that the Federal Government’s recent $8.5 billion investment in healthcare misses a critical opportunity to elevate nurses’ role in primary care. Despite acknowledging the need for reform, APNA believes the new funding falls short of preventing further strain on hospitals and general practices.
“Australia’s health system needs reform, and while the Federal Government recognises this, today’s announcement is a big investment in the status quo,” Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association Chief Executive Officer Ken Griffin said.
APNA contends that funneling money solely into general practice won’t solve systemic issues or reduce hospital admissions.
“While the investment in primary healthcare is welcome, only pumping money into General Practice won’t stop the bleed in our health system and won’t keep more patients out of our overstretched hospitals.
Once again, nurses – the largest, most trusted, reliable workforce in primary health care – are not being recognised as the solution.”
The association has long advocated that the government adopt the findings of Professor Cormack’s three-year Scope of Practice Review, which was commissioned by the Federal Government. These recommendations would enable nurses to handle a broader range of patient care duties, reducing wait times and hospital overcrowding.
“If the Government were to adopt these reforms – which represent real change in our health system – more Australians would receive the health care they need, when they need it, and without having to present at an emergency department in crisis.”
According to Griffin, empowering nurses to use their full set of clinical skills is essential to addressing the mounting challenges faced by hospitals and general practices.
“Nurses must be empowered to use their full clinical skills to address the mounting pressure on our hospitals and on GPs. Without that, we will continue to see more Australians waiting for the care they desperately need.”
While the government’s sizable healthcare investment suggests a commitment to change, APNA argues that leveraging the nursing workforce more effectively is the key to truly reforming Australia’s health system and delivering better care to communities nationwide.
Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.
