The path to a thriving healthcare workforce

Tuesday, October 25, 2022

While Australia’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic has recognised the essential role of health care providers in protecting the nation’s most vulnerable people, the impact of the pandemic and numerous natural disasters on the healthcare workforce is only just beginning to be fully realised.

’As the impacts of the initial crisis slowly subside, identifying the lessons learnt from the pandemic will be critical for managing the transition of the workforce to new and different ways of working on a permanent basis, says AHHA Chief Executive, Kylie Woolcock.

‘A focus on community and patients, clarity of roles, communication, education and training; as well as strong clinical governance and mechanisms that support coordination and integration will be critical to maintaining an agile, responsive and safe workforce for the future.

Released today by the Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association’s (AHHA) Deeble Institute for Health Policy Research, and authored by leading experts from Deakin University, the Perspectives Brief ‘Towards a thriving healthcare workforce’ examines the complex issue of health workforce wellbeing and outlines solutions on how we can best promote the development of a sustainable healthcare workforce.

‘We know that the COVID-19 pandemic has continued to push our healthcare workers to the edge, with reports of high levels of burnout, depression and anxiety in the sector,’ says Ms Woolcock.

‘Investing in ways to repair and protect the wellbeing of our healthcare workforce needs to be a priority, not only for the sake of our workers but in order to provide high quality, safe and sustainable healthcare to all Australians.’

In addition, AHHA will tomorrow (October 26, 2022) host the 2nd John Deeble Lecture and Panel Discussion, this year focused on moving ‘Towards an integrated healthcare workforce’, delivered by Mr Michael Brennan, Chair of the Productivity Commission.

The lecture will be followed by a panel discussion, moderated by Professor Anna Peeters, Director of the Institute for Health Transformation at Deakin University. During this engaging and informative discussion, health policy leaders will have the opportunity to share their experiences, deep understanding, and knowledge of national health policy.

The John Deeble Lecture commemorates the life achievements of Professor John Deeble AO, namesake of the Deeble Institute for Health Policy Research and co-architect of Medicare. John Deeble was a conceiver, implementer and defender of universal health care for nearly 50 years.

‘Both the 2022 John Deeble Lecture and the Health Policy Perspectives Brief ‘Towards a thriving healthcare workforce’, highlight the vital importance of building the foundations of a sustainable and resilient workforce. One that is supported to deliver high-value care without compromising their own wellbeing.’

The Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association (AHHA) is the independent peak membership body and advocate for the Australian healthcare system and a national voice for universally accessible, high quality healthcare in Australia. 

Media enquiries: Kylie Woolcock, Chief Executive, AHHA
0410 625 830