Allied Health
About
Allied health professionals are essential to the physical, social and psychological wellbeing of people living in rural and remote Australia. They are integral to the care of these communities, whose capacity to achieve optimal health outcomes is limited by inequitable access to appropriate health services. They are also integral to the economic development of rural and remote populations, particularly in relation to workforce participation and educational outcomes.
Early childhood intervention services such as allied health can prevent the avoidable, and address presenting issues, from the outset.
By Five are committed to exploring, trialing and advocating for funding and service delivery models that optimise local skills and expertise to facilitate equitable access to quality services for children.
Allied Health Access for Children in the Wimmera Southern Mallee
Understanding the Story
Throughout 2022 and 2023 By Five embarked on a project born from community demand, to map allied health service access, specifically occupational therapy and speech pathology, for children and families living across the WSM.
The purpose was to demonstrate an understanding of the complex service system; what is working well, and to identify barriers. Then, using this information and evidence, develop considerations for trial and advocacy.
What’s New?
By Five have supported Royal Far West (RFW) to deliver their telecare allied health services to Rainbow P-12 as their first site in Victoria, and one of five new sites in Australia, throughout 2023.
This adds to their existing service footprint across rural NSW and QLD and will be invaluable to the children of Rainbow.
RFW work with country children to support their health and wellbeing and unlock their lifelong learning potential.