As a part of its 2021-2022 state budget, Victoria has announced it will invest a $7.1 Billion funding boost into the state’s health care system which will focus on; a boost in paramedic staff, community health services, and new hospital facilities.
This is just one of many funding boosts across Australia that aims to enhance the pre-hospital emergency health care sector, hire more paramedics and enhance the community’s health through its ambulance services.
“The pandemic has had a lasting impact, and right across Australia we are seeing more ED presentations, more ambulance callouts — and fewer people seeing their GPs,” said Victorian State Treasure, Tim Pallas.
Within the Victoria funding boost to health care and hospitals, $759 Million has been allocated specifically to increase paramedic funding across both metro and rural areas, reaching the whole state of Victoria.
“Our paramedics, nurses, doctors and all healthcare staff are some of the hardest-working in the country and this investment reinforces that we will always back them — and the extraordinary work they do,” Mr Pallas said.
The budget noted that the pandemic saw many people deferring routine health check-ups with GPs, opting instead to present at hospital emergency rooms. This shift in how patients were seeking health care meant the hospitals were over-worked, ambulance ramping numbers increased, and workforce fatigue at an all-time high. This massive investment puts the focus back on community health services.
For further comments from the Victorian State Treasurer discussing the Victoria funding boost to health care and hospitals, you can click here: Victoria commits $7.1bn to hospitals and healthcare | Accountants Daily
This is all fantastic news, not only for the patients in need but also for the health care job market. The continued growth and investment into pre-hospital care is happening all over Australia, with all state governments acknowledging the need for more paramedics and improved access to out-of-hospital health care.
Do you want to become a part of a growing industry? The Australian Paramedical College offers three courses in pre-hospital health care.
Study pre-hospital emergency health care qualifications online at APC; with the aid of clinical workshops; online and phone support from highly-trained trainers and educators. Enjoy unlimited access to a student success team who are always ready to help and assist. Although paramedical pathway courses can be studied online; APC fosters a vibrant and passionate online community, encouraging students to engage and help one another throughout their entire learning journey.
Choose from three pre-hospital emergency health care qualifications.
HLT51020 – Diploma of Emergency Health Care
HLT41120 – Certificate IV in Health Care
HLT31120 – Certificate III in Non-emergency Patient Transport
To become an Ambulance Paramedic in Australia, a Bachelor of Paramedic Science is required. APC offers emergency health care qualifications (HLT51020 – Diploma of Emergency Health Care) which can provide an entry pathway into the degree program.