The NRHA submission to the After-Hours Services Review explains the importance of involving the available local health workforce including doctors, nurses and other health professionals in providing after-hours care in rural and remote communities, with access to additional support and training in this role. A range of service models also need to be considered to suit the particular needs of rural and remote communities, such as greater distances, higher risk of accidental injuries and worse health outcomes such as potentially avoidable hospitalisations due to chronic conditions. Primary Health Networks (PHNs) will need to retain and build on local knowledge about the after hours and other services that are operating effectively, as well as the availability of health professionals in each of the localities they cover, as part of the transition to PHNs from Medicare Locals.
