Rural Women Welcome New Investment in Rural Health Workforce
Rural Women New Zealand welcomes the Government’s announcement of new investments to strengthen the rural health workforce and improve access to healthcare services for people living in rural communities.
The Government has announced three initiatives aimed at supporting rural healthcare delivery, including a new Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) training and support programme, expanded access to Primary Response in Medical Emergencies (PRIME) training, and a refreshed National Rural Recruitment and Locum Support Service.
Bronwyn Main, Rural Women New Zealand Board Member and Health Policy Action Advisory Group Convenor, said the investment is a positive step towards addressing some of the unique healthcare challenges faced by rural communities.
"One of the things I hear most often from our members is that healthcare shouldn't depend on your postcode. Rural women and their whānau deserve the same opportunities to access quality healthcare as people living in our towns and cities," Bronwyn said.
"For many rural families, a healthcare appointment isn't just an hour out of your day. It can mean a round trip of several hours, taking leave from work, organising someone to pick the kids up from school, or finding childcare. Those extra hurdles are something people in cities don't always see, but they're part of everyday life for many of our members."
Rural Women New Zealand particularly welcomed the investment in Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) training and support.
"Our rural health professionals are incredibly resourceful. Investing in tools and training that expand what can be done in rural settings is a practical way to back the people working hard to care for their communities."
Beyond the investment in POCUS, Rural Women New Zealand said support for workforce recruitment, retention and expanded PRIME training would be critical to strengthening rural healthcare.
"We know how important our rural health professionals are to the communities they serve. Supporting them through training, recruitment and locum support helps build a workforce that rural people can rely on when they need care."
Rural Women New Zealand looks forward to seeing these initiatives implemented and continuing to advocate for equitable access to healthcare for rural people across New Zealand.
ENDS