Ms Maria Manton1, Dr Sue Fitzpatrick1
1ACT Health, Canberra, Australia
Biography:
Maria Manton has a background in Dietetics and has worked across hospital and community settings. Her current role is Allied Health Workforce Initiatives Coordinator, facilitating supports and promoting staff wellbeing and retention for ACT public sector allied health professionals through initiatives including scholarships, awards, professional development and clinical supervision.
Sue Fitzpatrick has a background in Speech Pathology. She has worked in allied health leadership for most of her career and as ACT Chief Allied Health Officer since 2024. She completed a Doctor of Health Science in 2016 with a focus on clinical supervision in allied health.
Abstract:
Purpose:
To build and retain a confident, knowledgeable, and satisfied allied health (AH) workforce, delivering better outcomes for consumers.
Issue or Problem:
Most AH scholarships available in Australia require completion of specific courses or are offered to select professions or geographical areas, limiting the number and diversity of professionals undertaking postgraduate courses.
Nature and Scope:
The Allied Health Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme (AHPGSS) is a workforce development initiative offered by the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Office of the Chief Allied Health Officer (OCAHO). It provides financial subsidy to successful public sector professionals undertaking postgraduate study relevant to the public health system. The Scheme supports ongoing education and skill development across clinical practice, education, research and leadership in areas of workforce need. Annual evaluation is undertaken to understand recipient perspectives and determine AHPGSS value.
Outcome:
Sixty-eight scholarships were provided across 15 AH professions since 2022. Opportunity for career progression, development and application of knowledge were the strongest motivating factors for studying. The largest users of the scheme were Physiotherapists and Social Workers, both professions in shortage within ACT. Since 2022, 92% of recipients reported gaining knowledge and applying this in their workplace and 100% reported increased confidence undertaking their professional role. Strong intention to remain in the public health workforce was noted.
The AHPGSS is a highly valued and cost-effective initiative to impact workforce retention and care provided to consumers. It has a positive impact on knowledge, skills, confidence and job satisfaction of AH professionals in the ACT public health system.