The Northern Rivers Times
December 14, 2023
44 HEALTH & SENIORS NEWS
Senate report includes Alliance proposals to address rural dental health care The National Rural Health Alliance (Alliance) is pleased to see that several of our key recommendations on access to dental services in rural Australia have been heard and incorporated in the final report of the Senate Select Committee into the Provision of and Access to Dental Services in Australia. The report refers to the Alliance’s position on the need to improve access to oral health care in rural Australia. The Alliance’s submission and verbal evidence at hearings before the Senate Select Committee in Launceston in August 2023 stressed that the universal health system is not looking after 30 per cent of the population living outside of urban centres. The Primary care Rural Integrated Multidisciplinary Health Services (PRIM-HS) model proposed by the Alliance, has also been acknowledged in the Senate report. The model, if funded appropriately, would support multidisciplinary teams including access to dental and oral health practitioners in rural areas of Australia. “We recommend the
government increase and implement appropriate funding mechanisms to support flexibly funded and delivered public oral health services in rural communities,” said Susi Tegen, Chief Executive of the Alliance. “It is pleasing to see that many of the Senate recommendations that specifically mention rural and remote oral health, align with our recommendations. “We require better strategies to support and improve the dental workforce supply and funding for community-based oral health services in rural areas. The Alliance calls on the federal and state governments to commit to the recommendations of the National Oral Health Alliance, of which the Alliance is a member, as well as commit to a National Rural Health Strategy to bring scattered and inconsistent rural health initiatives under one umbrella,” said Ms Tegen. The Alliance recommendations also included support of training programs and recruitment and retention of dental health professionals, including public health clinics, where oral
health is needed. Rural Australians have access to fewer dental practitioners per capita than their city counterparts and, overall, have poorer oral health than people in major cities. Oral health status generally declines as remoteness increases. Barriers to oral health in rural areas include the lack of water fluoridation, lack of oral health practitioners and oral health preventative measures, geographic isolation, and transport costs. As market fails, rural communities require the assistance of federal and state Government. The Alliance views this disparity as unacceptable and needs to be addressed immediately. The National Rural Health Alliance (the Alliance) comprises 50 national organisations committed to improving the health and wellbeing of the 7 million people in rural and remote Australia. Our diverse membership includes representation from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health sector, health professional organisations, health service providers, health educators and students.
Learn First Aid and Save a Life This Summer
Australian Red Cross Aussie summers can be harsh, and we know nothing derails summer holiday plans more than an unexpected trip to Emergency. Recognising the potential risks associated with the summer season, Australian Red Cross is urging more Australians to complete First Aid training in preparation for the summer months, when holidaymakers spend more time on the road, in the ocean and exploring outdoors. From November to February each year, Australians face heightened exposure to summer hazards – including drowning, heat stroke, snake bites, jellyfish stings and motor vehicle accidents. Alarming statistics from previous summers, recorded by the Australian
Institute of Health and Welfare, revealed 20x more hospitalisations for weather-related injuries and 7x more hospitalisations for drownings or submersion injuries, compared to the number recorded in winter of the same year. Unfortunately, fewer than 5 per cent of people in Australia are trained in first aid, one of the lowest rates in the world. Head of First Aid and Mental Health Training, Wendy Greenhalf, says the holiday period is a relaxing time of year for Australians but also a time when we need to be ready. “Summer holidays can present multiple hazards as holiday makers are typically in the water a lot more, spending more time outside, in hot temperatures, on the road travelling, entertaining or adventuring in remote areas.” Ms Greenhalf said.
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“Because of this, accidents and emergencies are more likely to happen during the summer months, however Australian Red Cross can help Australians learn how to respond effectively through first aid training, enabling them to feel empowered and confident in any situation.” Andrew Clark completed Australian Red Cross’ First Aid training course in 2022 and recently put his skills into practice in a real-life situation. “I was out at dinner and a family member started choking. I quickly remembered what I had learnt in the training and started giving him back blows in an upward motion, and after 5-10 seconds the food was dislodged. I can still remember the look of relief on his face.” Get ready for summer by booking a First Aid course by Australian Red Cross, offered via virtual, blended or inperson course delivery. Available now: • General First Aid courses (blended, refresher or virtual course) • CPR Training (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) • First Aid kits (motorist, backpackfriendly or modular kits) Australian Red Cross also offers courses in First Aid for Babies and Children, Mental Health First Aid and Pet First Aid.
