Road map charts way to more health workers

A NEW blueprint on the pathways students and volunteers in the Loddon Campaspe region can take to fill the shortage of health workers across Victoria was officially launched last Friday.

Minister for regional development Mary-Anne Thomas said the Loddon Campaspe Health Sector and Skills Pathway Road Map encourages learners to seek out local education, while also forecasting future demands on the sector and changing population needs.

“We know that by 2024 regional Victoria is going to need an additional 13,900 workers in healthcare,” she said.

“We also know that healthcare is changing with an increased focus on supporting people, no matter how old they are, to spend more time… being cared for in the home.

“We’ve got a changing workforce need, we’ve got a changing demographic here in regional Victoria and we need to make sure that the skills and abilities of our workforce keep the pace with that.

“[The road map is] all about how we ensure that we are creating opportunities for young people here in Bendigo and across the Loddon Campaspe region to fulfill their career aspirations here in Bendigo and the surrounding communities.”

The health sector is the region’s largest local employer with around 17,300 workers, but that’s still not enough workers to fill all the jobs available.

Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards said the road map directly addresses this.

“What we do know is we have an absolute shortage of health professionals right across Victoria and we want to make sure that into the future we have the skilled and trained professionals to support our health care sector,” she said.

“That starts with this road map which will give students in particular a clear pathway to a very challenging but also rewarding career.”

Bendigo TAFE diploma of nursing student Jade Heavyside knew her future was in health care but put her studies on hold to raise her four children.

“I wanted to become a nurse about 10 years ago when I did my certificate IV in aged care but I’ve got four children so it just wasn’t the right timing,” she said.

“I think we all have a calling and I’ve known what mine has been for quite a while, I’ve just got to get on the path.

The road map was developed with input from students, educators, trainers, employers and industry professionals and funded by the Loddon Mallee Regional Development Australia Committee.

The Loddon Campaspe Regional Partnership and relevant stakeholders will see to the activation of the road map throughout the coming months.