A skilled workforce is the major strategic resource of any industry
A skilled health workforce enables a world class health system that meets the needs of communities today and into the future. The health system depends on a workforce with the knowledge and expertise to care for communities. To meet demand projections and future health challenges there is a pressing need to create innovative workforce structures.
Critical to Victoria's ability to meet its residents' health needs into the future is the supply of sufficient numbers of qualified workers and their geographic dispersal.
Workforce practices must continually evolve to take into account:
- The changing health needs of the community
- The use of new technology and
- The shrinking pool of available health workers
In 2008 the VHA, in collaboration with the Department of Human Services, provided funding to over 190 Victorians to support their careers in Victoria's public health sector. The VHA programmes aim to raise the numbers of professionals working across Victoria. For example, the VHA supports rural allied health professionals' participation in professional development opportunities. This supports the provision of best practice services to clients and addresses the professional isolation often experienced by rural practitioners.
Student Placements in Community Health
VHA have developed a practical resource kit for Community Health Services (CHS) participating in student placements within their organisations through funding provided by DHS. It contains relevant information, links to other websites, checklists, sample templates and highlights issues to consider when coordinating and managing student placements in CHS.
