AUSTRALIA | Palliative Care Australia (PCA) has welcomed the formal recognition of Rural Generalist Medicine as a medical specialty in Australia.
Palliative Care Australia CEO Camilla Rowland said that formal recognition of Rural Generalist Medicine as a medical specialty was a historic moment that honours the extraordinary role of rural generalists who provide comprehensive care, from GP services to emergency, hospital, and palliative care, in communities that need them most.
Rowland said that this recognition was not just a win for rural doctors, it’s a win for every rural, remote, and First Nations family who depend on them.
She added that Rural generalists are often the ones leading palliative care co-ordination and sitting by the bedside in those final moments, helping families feel supported and cared for when it matters most.
“In recognising rural generalist medicine as a specialty, we’re taking an important step toward ensuring compassionate, quality palliative care can happen closer to home, where people feel safe, connected, and surrounded by community,” said Rowland.
“Palliative Care Australia congratulates the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM), the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), the National Rural Health Commissioner, and governments for their leadership in making this long-held vision a reality.
Rowland said Palliative Care Australia looked forward to working together to build on this achievement, supporting rural generalists through training, resources, and funding so that all Australians, no matter where they live, can access the care they need.
A recent report on findings from the 2024 National Palliative Care Workforce Survey, based on findings from 1,400 health and aged care professionals, workers and volunteers, regarded critical issues that affect the delivery of palliative and end-of-life care, which was a wake-up call for funders and policymakers.
“The survey revealed a clear workforce perception that the need for palliative care is increasing, but the additional investment needed to meet that demand has not,” Ms Rowland said.
“The underlying theme in the survey report is that increasing demand for care, funding constraints and workforce shortages has placed strain on services, professionals and volunteers. That means increasing limitations on access to palliative and end-of-life care, and increasing stress on the palliative care workforce.”
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