Grants to improve regional health care
The Federal Government has announced grants to help ensure people living in local towns and villages receive the best possible level of medical care.
Federal Member for Gilmore, Ann Sudmalis, said the redesigned Rural and Regional General Practice Grants Program was all about improving rural health services by providing extra infrastructure and better levels of teaching and training.
There is a strong focus on educating people about healthy living in the program offering $13.1m for infrastructure grants for existing general practices in regional, rural and remote Australia.
“General practice in rural Australia faces unique challenges in attracting and retaining staff, so this program provides more opportunities for health professionals to develop experience in training and supervising the next generation of healthcare workers,” Mrs Sudmalis said.
“We know from experience that proactive community health education leads to fewer hospitalisations for preventable illness, reducing the cost of healthcare for taxpayers.
“A well trained primary health care workforce helps alleviate pressure on the public hospital system, providing opportunities for earlier intervention and better patient outcomes.”
The simplified two-step application process opened on Monday, November 21 through the new Rural General Practice Grants Program.
“Grants may be used for a range of infrastructure projects, including construction, fit-out and/or renovation of an existing general practice building, supply and installation of information and communication technology equipment or medical equipment,” Mrs Sudmalis said.
Grants of up to $300,000 will be provided to successful applicants in 2017.
All successful applicants will be required to match the Commonwealth funding contribution.
Grant documentation is available from the Department of Health’s Tenders and Grants page atwww.health.gov.au/tenders
Mrs Sudmalis said anyone after further information could also contact her Nowra office on 4423 1782. Media Release
