Integrated Regional Clinical Training Networks

The demand for health services is increasing, and unless there is a consistent national approach to planning, health systems will not be able to deliver the most effective care. 

Health Workforce Australia (HWA) is improving and expanding access to quality clinical training across the public, private and non-government sectors for health professionals who are in training.

This is being achieved by funding programs that expand capacity, improve quality, reform delivery systems and offer diversity in learning opportunities for health-related professions.

Integrated Regional Clinical Training Networks (IRCTNs) will play a pivotal role in facilitating, identifying and aligning clinical training placements across the higher education (including VET) and clinical training sectors at a local and regional level.

Regional clinical training networks will support and strengthen systems and processes between higher education and government and non-government clinical training providers to accommodate increasing student numbers. Each regional network will build upon current relationships between higher education and health care providers and forge new interactions to generate additional clinical training placements, including primary health care and general practice settings, between urban and rural environments, and across different professions.

Who will be involved in the networks?

In each state and territory, a regional clinical training network will facilitate and support representation of higher education providers (including VET) and health service providers from public, private and non-government sectors and engage with education providers wishing to place students in that region. HWA, Medicare Locals and Local Hospital/Health Networks will also be represented in the governance arrangements.

Universities and clinical training providers will continue to be responsible for the day-to-day management of clinical placements and delivery of curriculum and training.

How many networks will be established?

HWA is working with States and Territories to develop suitable arrangements for each jurisdiction. It is anticipated that 20-25 networks will be established across Australia.

How will IRCTNs be governed?

Each State and Territory has designed regional networks  with their own governance structures and accountabilities to oversee the ongoing operation of the IRCTN in their jurisdiction.  HWA, Medicare Locals, Local Hospital Networks, the non-government training providers and higher education sector are key players in the governance of regional networks, balancing the creative local innovation of each network with links to national health reforms and other workforce initiatives.

When will the IRCTNs be operational?

It is expected the networks will be operational in each of the States and Territories by the end of September 2011.

How will HWA work with the networks?

Once the networks are established, HWA’s role will include:

• contributing funds to the IRCTNs
• providing links to HWA’s other national health workforce reform initiatives and programs
• participating as a member of the IRCTNs.

How can I get involved with my regional network?

For further information, please contact:

Health Workforce Australia
Freecall 1800 707 351
ctnetworks@hwa.gov.au