The Allied Health Expansion Program responds directly to regional needs by partnering with communities
35% of Australians, over 7 million people, currently have a chronic condition, and an increasing number of people have multiple conditions. Health care is now complex and requires expertise from a range of different health providers.
Tasmanians are on average older and the burden of mental health and chronic diseases such as heart and lung diseases, obesity and diabetes is high. They are the leading causes of illness, disability and death and action can be taken to prevent their occurrence.
A better integrated and coordinated health system
A better integrated and coordinated health system is needed to improve outcomes and ensure a sustainable health system into the future, however, this is contingent on an appropriately prepared and supported local health workforce.
To ensure the unique needs of metropolitan, regional and rural communities are met, our allied health program is being developed with Tasmanian communities, allied health professionals, industry and the key professional bodies.
A suite of allied health education will soon become available. It will include short courses, new entry-to-practice programs and professional development to strengthen and support the ongoing development of the Tasmanian allied health workforce.
*Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2014 Australia’s health 2014. Australia’s health series no. 14. Cat. no. AUS 178. Canberra: AIHW.
