How to help your body adjust to night shift

Australia’s health care system is grappling with a critical workforce shortage, particularly in remote and rural areas. As the demand for medical services continues to outstrip the supply of qualified health care professionals, the introduction of Physician Assistants (PAs) is being considered as a potential solution. This article explores how this proposal might affect healthcare professionals and health service delivery in Australia.

Recent government statistics show a decline of over 45,000 workers in residential aged care between 2020 and 2023, with a 42% drop in allied health professionals and fewer FTE nursing and personal care staff, while subcontractor use rose. Without mandatory targets for allied health services, many have moved to the growing home care sector, which has seen increased numbers of allied health professionals, FTE staff, and casual/fixed-term positions.

The Department of Health and Aged Care have released their GP Supply and Demand Study - August 2024, which shows significant unmet demand will increase into the future. Australia already has a shortage of 2400 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) GPs, and this is predicted to grow to around 3,900 FTE in 2028, and to over 8,900 FTE by 2048. View GP FTE –supply vs demand predictions for each Australian State and Territory, and other GP workforce insights.

The Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association (AHHA) will host the 2024 John Deeble Lecture and Panel Discussion on October 15 at the National Museum of Australia in Canberra. The event will address global health challenges and leadership, featuring speakers like Prof Jonathon Gray and Prof Michael Pervan. Click here to visit the event page for more details or to register.