Media Release: For everyone, everywhere: a vision for a healthier Australia
Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA) is celebrating Allied Health Professions Day today, recognising the contributions of allied health professionals and calling for their expertise to be more accessible to Australians at every stage of life.
Allied health is Australia’s second-largest clinical workforce, delivering a vast scope of health services including supporting children’s development, helping people manage chronic conditions and mental health needs, providing disability supports, and helping older Australians maintain their independence and quality of life.
This year’s theme, “Allied health: For everyone, everywhere”, celebrates the diversity of the professions and the breadth of their work across hospitals, health services, private practices, schools, workplaces, aged care services, homes and communities.
AHPA Chief Executive Officer Bronwyn Morris-Donovan said the theme also reflected a vision for a healthier Australia.
“Allied health professionals make an extraordinary contribution every day, helping Australians move, communicate, participate, recover and live well,” Ms Morris-Donovan said.
“Today, we celebrate their expertise and dedication, and we want to highlight the enormous, untapped potential of this workforce to improve Australians’ health.”
“Allied health has a vital role in prevention and early intervention, helping people address risk factors for chronic disease, manage emerging health needs and reduce the likelihood of avoidable hospital admissions,” she said.
“We want more Australians to be able to access appropriate allied health care early, close to home and before their needs become more complex.”
“When someone is undergoing medical treatment, an allied health team can help address the broader needs that affect their recovery, wellbeing and everyday life,” Ms Morris-Donovan said.
“Bringing these skills together with those of doctors, nurses and other professionals supports more coordinated care and better outcomes for patients.”
“Australia’s future health and care needs require us to plan now for a workforce that can meet them,” Ms Morris-Donovan said.
“That means supporting allied health professionals to enter and remain in the workforce, enabling them to use their skills fully, and addressing the barriers that prevent Australians from accessing their services.
“Our vision is that every Australian has access to high-quality allied health care. We remain committed to improving access to affordable services and ensuring allied health is central to the planning of our health and care systems.
“‘A healthier Australia is possible, we must do more to ensure people can access the allied health care they need, at every stage of life, wherever they live.”
For a full list of the allied health professions represented by AHPA in Australia, visit ahpa.com.au/member-organisations.
For interviews please contact Allied Health Professions Australia Head of Media and Public Affairs Amy Phillips on 0429 196 694.
About Allied Health Professions Australia
Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA) is the national voice for allied health professions, providing national policy and advocacy leadership to optimise the role of allied health professionals in Australia’s healthcare system.
Allied health is Australia’s second-largest health workforce, comprising more than 300,000 professionals. AHPA works with its member professional associations to raise the profile of the allied health sector, strengthen the allied health workforce and improve consumer access to allied health services.