June 2008
Universities Australia welcomed the opportunity to provide a submission to the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission ('the Commission'). Universities Australia noted the intention of the Commission to engage and consult widely to gain input from the public, frontline health workers, professional and consumer groups, and other interested people and organisations. As a key stakeholder in the health and education sectors, Universities Australia represents the interests of medicine, nursing and allied health professions involved in the clinical education and training of the health workforce.
The Commission identified fifteen principles which to a large extent should shape Australia's health and aged care system across the public and private hospitals and community-based services. We were broadly supportive of all fifteen principles, however this submission focussed on principle seven relating to the provision of a health system for future generations, with particular reference to the education and training of health professionals across the education continuum. It is vital for health professionals to have the skills and capabilities with which to adapt to future health needs; and for this to occur, there must be a formal partnership with the higher education sector.
To read the full submission, download the PDF below.
