Compelling data just published by our partners in the National Rural Health Alliance (Alliance) show a strong correlation between reduced access to primary healthcare in rural and remote Australia and high rates of potentially preventable hospitalisations, as well as highlighting the need for increased investment in rural healthcare.

‘Evidence base for additional investment in rural health in Australia’ report compiled by Nous Group has assessed the deficits in accessing primary healthcare which then leads to increased hospital expenditure. The Nous report quantified the rural health deficit at $6.55 billion annually. That equates to approximately $850 per person per annum in the context of a population of more than 7 million people living in rural Australia.

This compelling evidence which underscores the critical importance of boosting investments in rural healthcare.

As an active member of the Alliance, Royal Far West is only too aware of the increasing need for specialist paediatric and psychiatric care for country kids and strongly supports the Alliance’s urgent call for increased investment in rural healthcare.

Read more comprehensive findings of this report and the work of Alliance here.