First 2,000 health study subsidies awarded as NSW health workforce records largest ever increase

The Australian Medical Council (AMC) has released its Guidance Matrix which accompanies the 2023 Standards for Assessment and Accreditation of Primary Medical Programs (medical school standards). The document communicates AMC accreditation expectations for stakeholders, such as medical schools, assessment teams and reviewers. It includes ‘explanations’ of standards in plain English, examples of acceptable evidence, and expert resources. AMC also provides a User Guide and feedback form.

The Specialist Training Program (STP) and the Integrated Rural Training Pipeline (IRTP) are Australian government initiatives that fund the training of specialist registrars in settings outside traditional metropolitan teaching hospitals, including regional, rural, remote, and private facilities. The Department of Health and Aged Care and specialist medical colleges are currently accepting applications for new training posts until 4 April 2024. More information here.

This Report, from the UK Health Foundation, shines a spotlight on the global recruitment race for Nurses. Many countries, including Australia, are competing for Nurses amidst a worldwide workforce shortage. While record numbers of overseas-trained nurses have joined the UK nurse register in recent years, better pay and working conditions in places like the US, Australia and New Zealand, are tempting many to leave the UK for positions abroad.

We take a look at the latest Skills Shortages Analysis by Jobs and Skills Australia, and what it means for the Australian Health Sector. We explore the 2023 Skills Priority List, looking specifically at Health Sector Occupations, including current nationwide and statewide workforce shortages, and predicted economy-wide future demand.