It comes at a time when a state parliamentary inquiry into health outcomes and access to health and hospital services in rural, regional and remote NSW is underway.
Focused only on state health and continuing until December, its early hearings have already demonstrated that health resources in regional NSW are insufficient.
The Federal Budget also reflects a desire for better services in regional areas.
It recommends multiple measures which will directly or indirectly address regional health resources, including:
● $65 million from January 1, 2022 to boost bulk billing rebates in regional, rural and remote areas;
● providing $55.8 million for key initiatives to improve the distribution and retention of the mental health workforce, particularly in rural and regional areas; and,
● $487.2 million for Head to Health adult mental health centres, which will be put in place in cities as well as regional and rural Australia.
But according to NSW Member for Murray Helen Dalton, there are other measures which need more clarification.
She specifically highlighted the $114 million allocation for Telehealth, which extends the life of the program to the end of the year.
While intending to improve access to medical professions, Mrs Dalton is concerned the government’s overemphasis on Telehealth may lead to lack of physical medical staff in regional areas.
‘‘It’s like they’ve given up on getting medical professionals out here, and we’re just going to rely on virtual support,’’ Mrs Dalton said.
‘‘I hate the fact that a lot of rural mental health support is done via Telehealth. When you are suicidal or have an episode, you need a real person to help you.
‘‘At the rate we are going, it won’t be long before pap smears are done over the internet.’’
Federal Member for Farrer Sussan Ley said a mixture of both Telehealth and physical professionals was vital.
‘‘I think most people have really appreciated the phone option over the last 12 months, whether that was from a health and safety or time perspective, and that new funding continues till the end of the year,’’ Ms Ley said.
‘‘As we emerge from the pandemic, the aim now is to find a longer term balance between the two options, one which works for both patients and the medical profession.
‘‘We are allocating significant funding towards attracting more GPs to rural areas, and that’s because a Telehealth appointment should primarily be an option when you don’t need to actually see your doctor, or distance makes it too difficult.’’
Mrs Dalton is reserving her final judgment on the other measures announced in the budget until she sees more information.
‘‘It’s always promising to see funds pledged for rural mental health, but we need more details on the locations and programs.
‘‘I will be following up with the Federal Government to see what exactly we are getting,’’ she said.
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