Extra staff and funds to deliver more clinical training for the Wide Bay region

Work is progressing on the establishment of the Wide Bay Regional Training Hub which will provide medical students the ability to study, work and live in Bundaberg, Hervey Bay and Biloela.

Assistant Minister for Health, Dr David Gillespie, said that significant progress has been made in establishing the Hubs, and the University of Queensland will focus on a ‘grow your own’ model to facilitate regionally based vocational training and career paths.

“The University of Queensland has signed on to the project, and is meeting with local health and medical providers about this new program,” Minister Gillespie said.

“The hubs In Bundaberg, Biloela and Hervey Bay will work with healthcare providers, specialist colleges and local health authorities to develop training pathways for our future doctors in the region, improving access to medical services for regional and remote communities”

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt MP said that each hub, including the Regional Training Hubs at University of Queensland, will receive initial funding of around $1 million to 31 December 2018.

“This initiative will create more jobs within the University of Queensland for the operation of Regional Training Hubs,” Mr Pitt said.

Federal Member for Flynn Ken O’Dowd said that this initiative will create more jobs within the University, and training investments like Regional Training Hubs are essential to the health workforce of the Wide Bay region into the future.

“This Coalition Government initiative supports high quality rural placements for health students from across Australia, to help ensure rural communities have access

to doctors, nurses, midwives and allied health professionals in the future,” Minister Gillespie said.

“Supporting rural health training is an important way to address rural health workforce shortages.

“These initiatives will help the Coalition Government deliver on its commitment to provide first rate health and medical services to all Australians – regardless of where they live.”