THIRTY-five medical interns will start at Bendigo Health as part of a government initiative to develop the state's health workforce.
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The People In Health initiative was launched at St Vincent's Hospital yesterday and includes $238.3 million for educating and training doctors, nurses and health professionals.
Health Minister David Davis said the initiative had been established to strengthen, support and enhance the state's health workforce and to meet the challenges of the ageing and growing population.
“In 2014, 753 medical interns will begin exciting and rewarding careers in hospitals right across the state," he said.
“Our massive investment today will ensure our future doctors and nurses, such as these medical interns, receive world class education and training, better preparing them to deliver the highest quality care to patients.”
Mr Davis said the initiative would enhance the careers of the next generation of health workers, with an investment in additional student placements.
"This means more doctors, nurses and allied health professionals working in our hospitals and health services to meet the challenge of growing demand,” he said.
“We are also targeting areas that require the greatest support by funding more training and education opportunities in rural and regional settings, as well as in growth areas of Melbourne.”
The state government will continue investing $28 million into the development of mental health, and alcohol and drug services.
Mental Health Minister Mary Wooldridge said the state government was committed to supporting mental health, and alcohol and drug treatment workers to effectively deliver services that are being improved under the government’s reform agenda.
“We are investing in training and support for existing and new staff so that they can develop a stronger recovery-oriented care approach to people with mental illness and alcohol and drug addiction,” she said.