What do the changes mean for the health workforce?

Health reform is designed to deliver better health care and better hospitals. It will work to create better health outcomes for most Australians. The Government is rolling out health reform with a focus on the people who care for us.

Health reform will provide more support and new opportunities for people already working in the health system and people considering a career in the health sector.

As part of health reform the Government will boost its support for the health workforce by introducing:

• Higher standards for health care
• Local hospitals that work in local networks
• More training for more health professionals
• Integrated GP and primary care
• Support for the rural, regional and remote health workforce
• Supporting practice nurses
• Initiatives to professionalise the aged care workforce.

Whether you are at high school or working outside the health sector and looking for a change, it is a great time to consider working in the health system.

Information about different organisations that support the health workforce, including information about training to become a health professional and working in the health sector, is available at 'Where can I find out more about working in the health system?'

Health reform will also provide many benefits for patients, including:

• More hospital beds
• Reduced waiting times (in emergency departments and for elective surgery)
• An expanded number of GP services
• More aged care beds and places
• Improved aged care services
• Improved access to health care
• Improvements to the mental health system
• Sustainable funding for the future

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