Background

The current implementation phase of the Aged Care Workforce Reform Project comprises four component sub-projects, which together form a comprehensive package of evidence-based reform. These sub-projects are:

• Sub-Project 1:
  Building Workforce Capacity for Safe Medications Management in the Community
• Sub-Project 2:
  Building Workforce Capacity and Capability in Residential Aged Care Facilities
• Sub-Project 3:
  Building Workforce Capacity for Early Intervention in Functional Decline in the Community
• Sub-Project 4:
  Building Workforce Capacity for Complex Care Coordination in the Community

For each of these sub-projects, HWA is conducting an RFP to identify suitable organisations who will participate in undertaking corresponding workforce reform measures over an 18-month period and provide an evidence-base in developing implementation models that are intended for national large-scale uptake.

HWA is making available a total of $10.95 million in funding, across the four RFPs, to be distributed amongst the successful respondents to the RFPs.

For three of the four RFPs, this funding will include allocations for one of the successful respondents to also undertake the role of lead organisation. The lead organisation will facilitate collaboration with HWA for quality outcomes, develop sector leadership for change and provide evidence to support the plan for large scale national adoption of what works.

Invitation to Apply for Funding

HWA invites suitable organisations to submit a proposal for funding for one or more of the RFPs listed in the table below.

The resultant improved system-wide workforce productivity, efficiency and effectiveness will lead to enhanced population and individual health and wellbeing outcomes.

If your organisation is interested in submitting a proposal for more than one of the above projects, a separate proposal must be submitted for each one. Each proposal will be evaluated on its merits independently from any other proposal from the same organisation.

Timeframe for Request for Proposals

Closing time: 2pm, Australian Central Daylight Time (ACDT), 17 February 2012

Registrations of Interest

If your organisation is interested in submitting a proposal for one or more of the above projects, you will need to register your organisation’s interest for each of the RFPs in order to have access to the specific RFP documents. Once you have successfully completed the registration form, you will be able to download these documents. Please click on the relevant link below to register.

• Register for: Building Workforce Capacity for Safe Medications Management in the Community (HWA-RFP/2011/002)
• Register for: Building Workforce Capacity and Capability in Residential Aged Care Facilities (HWA-RFP/2011/003)
• Register for: Building Workforce Capacity for Early Intervention in Functional Decline in the Community (HWA-RFP/2011/004)
• Register for: Building Workforce Capacity for Complex Care Coordination in the Community (HWA-RFP/2011/005)

Expert Assistance

We have significant experience in applying for health grants. Typical areas where we can be of assistance include:

• Demonstrating the identified need;
• Highlighting the relevance to current government policies and priorities;
• Complete the Project Plan and Budget Projections;
• Identify Outcomes that are measurable;
• Detail the applicant organisation’s experience or expertise in undertaking the project/s;
• Calculating the value for money; and
• Demonstrating capacity to deliver quality outcomes

Call us on 03 9005 6789 or email us to discuss how we can assist further.

Background

The Gillard Labor Government is investing $18.7 million to expand the role of nurse practitioners in residential and community based care.

The ageing of the population is changing the face of care. People in aged care homes have more complex care needs than was the case ten years ago. Many older people are choosing to remain at home as they age so the need for comprehensive community aged care is also increasing.  The increase in the number of people requiring more complex support and care means there will be additional demand for skilled aged care staff.

The Gillard Government is investing more than $300 million over four years to build the capacity of the aged care sector and develop the skills of the workforce.

Successful applicants are being funded in all states and territories, including services in rural, regional and remote areas, and organisations that provide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and culturally specific care.

Recipients

Nurse Practitioner Funding recipients are:

• Menzies Research Institute Tasmania
• La Trobe University
• Adelaide North East Division of General Practice
• Queensland University of Technology
• The University of Newcastle
• Calvary Retirements Communities Hunter Manning Ltd
• Brightwater Care Group Inc
• Royal College of Nursing ACT
• Hunter New England Local Health District
• Hobart District Nursing Service Inc
• General Practice Network South Inc
• Department of Health – Queensland
• Murrumbidgee Medicare Local Limited
• The Bethanie Group Inc
• The Nurse Practitioner Acute Care Team Pty Ltd
• Illawarra Retirement Trust Ltd
• Bushland Health Group Limited
• Bass Coast Regional Health
• Southern Cross Care
• Anglican Retirement Villages Diocese of Sydney
• North East Valley Division of General Practice Pty Ltd
• Sir Moses Montefiore Jewish Home
• Silver Chain Nursing Association Inc
• Royal Freemasons Ltd
• Resthaven Incorporated
• Sunblade Enterprises Pty Ltd
• Holistic Medical Care Pty Ltd
• Denise Gay Simmons – Independent practitioner
• Joyce Donnelly – Independent practitioner
• Charles Darwin University
• Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative Ltd

Expert Assistance

Did you miss out on funding. Contact us on 9005 6789 to see how we can make your next bid more competitive.

Introduction

GP organisations interested in receiving funding to provide after hours services are invited to apply for a grant under the Australian Government’s General Practice After Hours (GPAH) Program.

Up to 60 GP After Hours Program grants of $100,000 (GST exclusive) over a two year period are available. Funding will assist with GP incentive payments, wages for nursing and support staff as well as other operating expenses. All applications will be assessed on a competitive basis.

Background

The GP After Hours Program (GPAH) aims to ensure that as many people as possible have access to quality GP services when they need them. It does this by providing grants to support the viability of existing and new after hours GP services, as well as after hour services wishing to extend their hours of operation into the after hours period. The GPAH Program targets areas of need.

What can grant funding be used for?

GP After Hours Program Grant funding can be used to assist with operational costs and/or the recurrent expenses involved in providing an after hours GP service. This may include but is not limited to GP incentive payments, GP on-call allowances, medical consumables, security costs, locum expenses, or the costs of support staff such as salaries for receptionists/practice managers/practice nurses.

Who can apply?

Applications for GP After Hours Program funding are encouraged from parties interested in providing after hours GP services. These can include GP practices; on-call services; medical deputising services; and other organisations that either currently provide after hours GP services or wish to extend their services into the after hours period.

Am I eligible to apply if my GP organisation is located within the boundaries of the first tranche of Medicare Locals?

No. As part of National Health Reform, the Government has announced a number of measures to improve access to after hours primary care. By July 2011, these measures include the establishment of an after hours GP helpline and the first tranche of Medicare Locals to review and plan after hours primary care in their region and support services to fill urgent gaps in care. The second tranche of Medicare Locals will be operational in January 2012 and the final tranche in July 2012.
As a result, GP organisations located within the boundaries of the first tranche of Medicare Locals announced in June 2011 will not be eligible to apply for funding under this grants round.

Should existing after hours grant recipients apply for funding?

Yes. Existing General Practice After Hours Program Grant recipients whose funding has expired or is due to expire before December 2012 should consider applying in this round if continued Commonwealth support is required. Note however, if successful, GPAH funding will not commence until the existing after hours funding agreement has been satisfactorily concluded.

Are there any expenditure items that are not eligible for grant assistance?

Items that will not be considered for grant funding include payment for professional services (i.e. where a payment is made for a medical services item listed in the Medicare Benefits Schedule. This may also be referred to as GP wages/salaries), infrastructure costs, leasing or purchase of vehicles, depreciation expenses, items of capital equipment valued greater than $5,000, s, conference attendance, Board fees, or costs that do not relate to the provision of the after hours service.

What is the requirement for sustainability of funded after hours services?

GP After Hours Program Applications will need to demonstrate that, with grant funding, the proposed after hours service will be financially sustainable for the duration of the funded period. Proposals will need to demonstrate that the proposed after hours service has access to, or is able to recruit and retain, a sufficient and appropriately qualified workforce, including GPs and other health professionals and support staff as required.

Is there a service delivery model for after hours services that is favoured over others?

Service delivery arrangements should be determined in accordance with local community needs and the availability of an appropriately qualified GP workforce.

It is important to note that proposals that offer care to only a specific group or groups within a community will not be considered. For example, whilst proposals for after hours services from organisations that target Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people or marginalised groups within communities are encouraged, access to the after hours service, once operational, must be open to all Australians. Similarly, proposals where access to the after hours service would be limited to the existing patients of GPs subscribing to, or providing, the after hours service will not be considered. Furthermore, given the Australian Government’s substantial investment in the National Health Call Centre Network, proposals for nurse-based telephone triage services are not eligible for funding.

Do I need to obtain letters of support for my proposal?

Yes, letters of support should be provided with applications to demonstrate community need and/or community support for the after hours service. To be considered suitable, letters of support must be provided on the letterhead of the supporting organisation, be an original signed copy, refer to the after hours service by name, and be dated within the last two months.

Applications for an after hours service co-located with a hospital/hospice MUST include a letter from the hospital/hospice administration indicating that it is aware of, and in support of the proposal.

Next Round

The closing date for next round of GP After Hours Program Grant applications is TBA.

Round 4 Recipients

The 63 successful GP clinics will receive up to $100,000 each to assist with the costs of providing after-hours care, including incentives for GPs, wages for support staff and other operating costs. This builds on the 300 communities who benefited from a boost to after-hours GP services in 2010-11

NSW

• Eastbrook Medical Centre, Bowral, $100,000
• Camden GP After Hours Service, Camden, $100,000
• Eastbrooke Medical Centre Carlton, Carlton, $100,000
• Dapto Medical Centre, Dapto, $100,000
• Albury After Hours Clinic, East Albury, $100,000
• Eastern Suburbs Medical Centre, Edgecliff, $100,000
• Forster Tuncurry Medical Centre, Forster, $100,000
• Alstonville Lismore After Hours Medical Service, Goonellabah, $100,000
• Hazelbrook General Practice, Hazelbrook, $100,000
• Allcare Carnes Hill Medical Centre, Horningsea Park, $100,000
• Ingleburn Medical Centre, Ingleburn, $100,000
• Kiama Medical Practice, Kiama, $100,000
• Mount View Medical Centre, Laurieton, $100,000
• Liverpool GP After Hours Clinic, Liverpool, $100,000
• Mountain Medicine, Mangrove Mountain, $100,000
• Narooma After Hours Service, Narooma, $100,000
• Fairfield After Hours Service, Prairiewood, $100,000
• Shellharbour City General Practice, Shellharbour City Centre, $100,000
• Tahmoor Medical Centre, Tahmoor, $100,000
• Medisense Healthcare, Taree, $100,000
• Tintenbar Medical Centre, Tintenbar, $100,000
• Woy Woy After Hours Medical Service, Woy Woy, $99,980
• Reliance Medical Practice, Wyoming, $100,000
• Elanor Duncan After Hours Clinic, Wyong, $100,000

NT

Palmerston Medical Clinic, Palmerston, $100,000

QLD

Coolum Beach 7 Day Doctors, Coolum Beach, $100,000
Goondiwindi Medical Centre, Goondiwindi, $100,000
Omega Health Medical Centre, Manoora, $100,000
Hooper Centre Medical After Hours, Toowoomba, $100,000

SA

Goolwa Medical Centre, Goolwa, $100,000
Keith and District Medical Centre, Keith, $100,000
Martins Road Family Medical Practice, Parafields Gardens, $100,000
Playford GP Super Clinic, Playford South, $100,000
gpConnect Northern Clinic, Salisbury, $100,000
Southcare Medical Services, Sheidow Park, $100,000
Victor Medical Centre After Hours Service, Victor Harbour,$98,860

VIC

East Grampians Health Services, Ararat, $100,000
Ballan GP Super Clinics After Hours Service, Ballan, $100,000
Medicaid Family Medical & Accident Centre, Ballarat, $100,000
Monash University Primary Care Clinic, Bendigo, $100,000
Doctors Care Network GP After Hours Service, Boronia, $100,000
Corryong Medical Clinic, Corryong, $100,000
Casey Medical Centre, Cranbourne, $100,000
Croydon Family Practice, Croydon, $100,000
Springs Medical After Hours Service, Daylesford, $99,630
Dromana Family Doctors, Dromana, $100,000
Falls Creek After Hours Program, Falls Creek, $97,500
Healthcote Primary Health, Healthcote, $99,946
Kinglake Health Range Centre, Kinglake, $100,000
Cunningham Arm Medical Centre, Lakes Entrance, $99,630
Mallacoota Medical Centre, Mallacoota, $100,000
Moe After Hours Medical Service, Moe, $100,000
Ti-Tree Family Doctors, Mount Eliza, $100,000
Nathalia District Hospital, Nathalia, $99,434
Numurkah District Health Service, Numurkah, $100,000
Orbost Medical Clinic, Orbost, $100,000
Rowville Health, Rowville, $100,000
Sea Lake Medical Practice, Sea Lake, $80,000
After Hours GP Medical Centre, Shepparton, $100,000
Westgate Medical Centre, Werribee, $100,000
Woodend Medical Centre, Woodend, $100,000

WA

Trinity Medical Centre, Kalgoorlie, $100,000
Mundaring Medical Service, Mundaring, $100,000

Introduction

The Australian Government is making a significant investment in GP Super Clinics and has committed $650.4 million to build more than 60 GP Super Clinics around Australia and upgrade and extend around 425 existing general practices, primary care and community health services, and Aboriginal Medical Services.

The Department of Health and Ageing is seeking applications for funding from individuals and organisations to establish or upgrade primary health care infrastructure in the Sorell and Brighton and surrounding region that will support the delivery of services that meet the health needs and priorities of local communities.

Up to $2 million (GST exclusive) has been committed for the Primary Health Care Infrastructure Grants (Tasmania) initiative in Sorell and Brighton and surrounding region. Applications to establish new premises or upgrade or extend existing premises in the Sorell, Brighton and Clarence Local Government Area (LGAs) will be considered.
A total of $2 million is available for the initiative. There are three streams of funding available with differing requirements commensurate with the level of funds available:

• Stream A – for grants of $150,000 to less than $500,000
• Stream B – for grants of $500,000 to less than $1,000,000
• Stream C – for grants of $1,000,000 up to the total of $2,000,000

A flexible approach

Funding will be used flexibly across the three funding streams with no more than a total of $2 million being available for all grants. For example:

• two Stream A applications for $200,000 and $300,000 respectively, along with a Stream C application for $1.5 million could be funded
• alternatively, a Stream A application for $400,000, and three Stream B applications totalling $1.6 million could be funded
• there is also potential for a single $2 million proposal to be funded, should this application be assessed to be the strongest application in the field.

Who can apply for funding?

Applications will be considered from general practices (GP), primary care and community health services, State and local government and Aboriginal Medical Services within the Sorell, Brighton and Clarence LGA’s or within the inner metropolitan Hobart region to provide outreach services to these regions. The applications will be assessed in accordance with the selection criteria set out in these Guidelines at Section 4 and contained in the Invitation to Apply documentation.

What locations are covered by the grants?

Funding is available for capital works projects located within the 30km arc surrounding Sorell, with the exception of Hobart.

What can Stream C funding be used for?

Primary Health Care Infrastructure Grants (Tasmania) funding is provided to assist the development of infrastructure that will support the move towards multidisciplinary integrated models of care. Within the total funding available for a location, funds can potentially be allocated across three components: capital, recurrent and relocation incentives.

Organisations and key individuals will need to demonstrate that they have the appropriate expertise, time and resources available to support the establishment of a GP Super Clinic style facility.

Capital Funding

Funding is primarily for capital works projects. Capital funding can be used to construct a new building or purchase or refurbish and/or extend an existing building. This includes:

• Building activities required to design and construct/refurbish the building;
• Direct building costs associated with building new or upgrading existing premises (for example building, plumbing, electrical etc);
• Purchase of an existing property;
• Information management and technology systems installation; and
• Purchase of land.

Capital funding may also be used for some establishment costs for:

• Purchase of equipment necessary to provide comprehensive primary care and resuscitation including those listed on the RACGP list of practice equipment. Funding may also be considered for the purchase of other significant items such as electrocardiogram machines and vaccination refrigerators, depending on local health needs and priorities;
• Ensuring that adequate free car parking is available; and
• Infrastructure required for tele-health services.

Capital funding cannot be used for:

• A capital works project that has been contracted, commenced or completed prior to the execution of a Funding Agreement;
• Ongoing operating costs including rent, utilities, salaries and building maintenance;
• Professional health service delivery (including services to which an MBS item relates);
• Maintenance of medical equipment;
• The purchase of consumables for medical equipment (other than a consumables pack that may be supplied with equipment on delivery);
• The purchase of office consumables;
• The purchase of existing health facilities or businesses;
• Capital works, other than IT or associated infrastructure required to support outreach services, at a location not in the Sorell, Brighton and Clarence LGAs (as shown in Map 1 on page 5);
• Attendance at seminars or conferences;
• Travel and accommodation; and
• Student and or staff overnight/residential accommodation.

More information

Grant applications close 2:00 pm on 27 February 2012.

In the last 12 months we have prepared a number of health infrastructure grant applications totalling over $15 M. If you require expert assistance to make sure application is competitive please contact us on 03 9005 6789

]]> http://www.government-grant.com.au/2011/12/primary-health-care-infrastructure-grants-tasmania/feed/ 0 http://www.government-grant.com.au/2011/11/better-access-to-radiation-oncology-fund/ http://www.government-grant.com.au/2011/11/better-access-to-radiation-oncology-fund/#comments Fri, 25 Nov 2011 08:31:03 +0000 Government Grant Guru http://www.government-grant.com.au/?p=3934 Up to $800,000 is available per applicant for projects that increase the capacity of radiation oncology treatment

Background

The Australian Government is providing $11m of funding for radiation oncology services in relation to workforce development, research, and technologies for radiation oncology treatment and service quality improvement. This particular funding round is focussed on activities to support radiation oncology workforce. The Better Access to Radiation Oncology Fund will be provided over a period of two years for workforce developments.

Funding Objectives

The Better Access to Radiation Oncology Fund is being provided to further the objectives of the Program.  In particular, the funding will support activities which aim to:

• Benefit radiation oncology treatment capacity nationally;
• Establish linkages to existing radiation oncology workforce initiatives;
• Take into account a ten year horizon; and
• Have broad support of key stakeholders.

How Much Funding is Available?

The Australian Government is providing $11m of funding which will be distributed to the successful Applicants during July 2012 to July 2014.  The Department anticipates that the first payment of funding to the successful Applicants will occur in July 2012 with a small amount of funding potentially available in the 2010/11 financial year. .

The minimum grant is $100,000 (GST inclusive) and the maximum grant is $800,000 (GST inclusive).  Better Access to Radiation Oncology Fund projects outside this range will only be considered in exceptional circumstances.

What Will Be Funded?

The Department expects that the Better Access to Radiation Oncology Fund will be awarded for activities which facilitate a national strategic and coordinated response to radiotherapy workforce issues relevant to the next decade.  It is anticipated that proposed activities would demonstrate new and innovative approaches to systemic problems.

The Better Access to Radiation Oncology Fund may be made available for project activities /items that could include, but are not limited to:

• Activities to undertake radiation oncology workforce planning, data monitoring and review;
• Activities which reduce barriers to accessing training places;
• Activities which will attract staff to areas of need;
• Activities which will provide incentives to delay retirement of current workforce members;
• Activities which will support research into new technologies, where they relate to increases in patient throughput and common cancer treatments;and
• Activities to change clinical practice arrangements (including role re‐design) to improve patient services.

What Will Not Be Funded?

The Department will not fund activities that duplicate existing resources or that will only assist an individual or a locally focussed project which does not contribute to a wider improvement in workforce or patient treatment capacity. Some specific examples of activities which will not be funded include arrangements similar to existing funded positions for radiation therapy registrars undertaking their National Professional Development Program placements, radiation oncology medical physics registrars and associated clinical preceptor positions.

Who Can Apply for the Funding?

For legal and accountability reasons, only incorporated bodies are eligible to apply for funding under this program.  The types of organisations that may apply for funding include:

• State and Territory Health Departments responsible for delivering radiation oncology services
• Private providers of radiation oncology services.
• Australian Institute of Radiography.
• Australasian College of Physical Scientists and Engineers in Medicine.
• Royal Australian College of Radiologists, Faculty of Radiation Oncology.
• Australian Universities providing undergraduate and post graduate courses and training programs for radiation oncologists, radiation oncology medical physicists and radiation therapists.
• Organisations that have a direct affiliation with the provision of radiation oncology services.

Expert Assistance

We have extensive experience assisting applicants secure funding for health programs. Call us on 03 9005 6789 to see how we can assist you.

Applications close at 2.00pm Canberra Time on Friday, 17 February 2012

Fund objectives

The objective of the Chronic Disease Prevention and Service Improvement Fund is to support targeted action related to chronic disease prevention and service improvement, particularly within the primary care and community sectors to:

• Reduce the incidence of preventable mortality and morbidity;
• Maximise the wellbeing and quality of life of individuals affected by chronic disease from  initial diagnosis to end of life;
• Reduce the pressure on the health and hospital system including aged care; and
• Support evidence-based best practice in the prevention, detection, treatment and management  of chronic disease.

Fund Priorities

The following priority areas have been identified to achieve the Chronic Disease Prevention and Service Improvement Fund’s objectives and translate its key principles into practice:

1. Prevention across the continuum
2. Early detection and appropriate treatment
3. Integration and continuity of prevention and care
4. Self management

1. Prevention across the continuum

Prevention across the continuum enables a holistic approach towards prevention, with intervention at multiple points.  These intervention levels can be broadly grouped into three categories:

• primary prevention  – to prevent movement of the ‘well’ to the ‘at risk’ population
• secondary prevention – to prevent progression from ‘at risk’ to ‘established’ disease state
• tertiary prevention – to prevent and/or delay progression to complications from the disease.

The Department may fund a range of prevention and service improvement activities that address this priority area, including but not limited to:

• health promotion and risk reduction,
• improving health literacy,
• raising community awareness and capacity
• strengthening community action,
• monitoring and surveillance of risks,
• rehabilitation and patient support.

2. Early detection and appropriate treatment

To support a targeted approach to early detection and appropriate treatment, supporting activities that promote best-practice care and risk factor prevention and management.

The Department may fund a range of prevention and service improvement activities that address this priority area, including but not limited to:

• interventions to raise awareness of risk factors and follow up (not relating to MBS items)
• health promotion,
• support for patients, their carers and families,
• support for increased uptake of screening services particularly in hard to reach and under- screened population groups,
• support for end-of-life care,
• building the evidence to improve the knowledge base ,
• facilitating best practice,
• improving the safety and quality of care

3. Integration and continuity of prevention and care

To support the integration and continuity of prevention and care by ensuring that people are receiving all the services they need in a timely manner, maximising their health outcomes and enhancing their ‘patient journey’.
The Department may fund a range of prevention and service improvement activities that address this priority area, including but not limited to:

• collaborative and multidisciplinary models of care,
• capacity building and infrastructure support to enhance integration,
• strengthening community action,
• support for end-of-life care,
• support for patients, their carers and families,
• building the evidence to improve the knowledge base,
• facilitating best practice, and
• improving the safety and quality of care.

4. Self management

To support self management, enabling people with chronic disease to engage in activities that protect and promote health, monitoring and managing symptoms and signs of illness, managing the impacts of illness on functioning, emotions and interpersonal relationships, and negotiating and adhering to treatment regimens.  This priority emphasises a person-centred approach to care and decision-making in addressing chronic disease prevention and service improvement.
The Department may fund a range of prevention and service improvement activities that address
this priority area, including but not limited to:

• development of consumer education tools and resources,
• improving health literacy,
• professional training to promote self management,
• promotion of patient involved multidisciplinary care models,
• support for patients, their carers and families, and
• support for end-of-life care.

What Will Not Be Funded?

The Department will not fund activities that are inconsistent with the Fund Guidelines, that duplicate existing activities, resources or initiatives, or that will only assist an individual without having any impact on the wider community.

Some specific examples of activities that will not be funded include:

• capital works or construction;
• purchasing of major equipment or motor vehicles;
• long-term, recurrent or ongoing funding of routine service delivery;
• retrospective items/activities;
• activities undertaken by political organisations;
• activities that subsidise commercial activities.

Assistance

We have significant experience in applying for health grants. Typical areas where we can be of assistance include:

• Demonstrating the identified need;
• Highlighting the relevance to current government policies and priorities;
• Complete the Project Plan and Budget Projections;
• Identify Outcomes that are measurable;
• Detail the applicant organisation’s experience or expertise in undertaking the project/s;
• Calculating the value for money; and
• Demonstrating capacity to deliver quality outcomes

Call us on 03 9005 6789 or email us to discuss how we can assist further.

Background

The Aged Care Service Improvement and Healthy Ageing Grants Fund is an Australian Government initiative administered by the Department of Health and Ageing (the Department) designed to support activities that strengthen the capacity of the aged care sector to deliver high quality aged care, and/or promote healthy ageing.

Fund objectives and priorities

Broadly, the Healthy Ageing Grants Fund’s primary objective is to strengthen the capacity of the health and aged care sectors to deliver high quality aged care, and to promote healthy ageing by targeting the following priority areas:

• Support activities that promote healthy and active ageing;
• Respond to existing and emerging challenges, including dementia care;
• Support activities that build the capacity of aged care services to deliver high quality care;
• Support activities that provide information and support to assist carers maintain their caring role;
• Support to services providing aged care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people living in remote areas; and
• Support people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds.

Consolidation

The Healthy Ageing Grants Fund consolidates support for a wide range of activities including those activities previously funded under:

• Encouraging Better Practice in Aged Care initiative
• Community Care and Flexible Care Grants
• Carer Information Support Program
• National Continence Program
• Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Services
• Dementia Training Study Centres
• National Dementia Support Program
• Dementia Community Support grants
• Healthy and Active Ageing grants
• Remote and Indigenous Capital Infrastructure and Support grants
• National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program support grants  (including assistance packages)
• Partners In Culturally Appropriate Care grants
• Community Partners Program grants

Who can access the Healthy Ageing Grants Fund?

Applicants are encouraged from a wide range of non government and government entities.  Applicants are not required to have had a prior funding relationship established with the Department, but must be a legal entity to be eligible for funding, for example:

• Incorporated Associations (incorporated under State/Territory legislation, commonly have ‘Association’ or ‘Incorporated’ or ‘Inc’ in their legal name);
• Incorporated Cooperatives (also incorporated under State/Territory legislation, commonly have “Cooperative’ in their legal name);
• Companies (incorporated under the Corporations Act 2001 – may be not-for-profit or for-profit proprietary company (limited by shares or by guarantee or public companies);
• Aboriginal Corporations (incorporated under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Act 2006 and administered by the Office of the Registrar of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporations; Aboriginal Councils and Associations Act 1976);
• Organisations established through a specific piece of Commonwealth or State/Territory legislation (many public benevolent institutions, churches, universities, unions etc);
• Partnerships;
• Trustees on behalf of a Trust;
• State/Territory or Local Governments; and/ or
• where there is no suitable alternative, an individual or – jointly and separately –individuals.

What activities are eligible for funding?

Potential Healthy Ageing Grants Fund activities include:

1. Support activities that promote healthy and active ageing
2. Respond to existing and emerging challenges, including dementia care
3. Support activities that build the capacity of aged care services to deliver high quality care
4. Support activities to assist carers maintain their caring role
5. Support to services providing aged care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait
   Islander people and people living in remote areas
6. Support for people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds

1. Support activities that promote healthy and active ageing

The Australian Government recognises that older people are an invaluable asset and is committed to helping older people enjoy active, healthy and independent lives by encouraging positive approaches to ageing.

To support the participation of people as they age in all aspects of Australian life – economic, civic, community and family the Department will fund integrated and innovative activities. These activities will be aimed at promoting and raising awareness and includes the social inclusion and recognition of diverse communities such as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex
(LGBTI) people.

Under this priority, other activities that may be funded include, but are not limited to, improving the evidence base for healthy, active and productive ageing; increasing access to information so that older people can make informed decisions; providing intervention and management strategies that support older people, their carers, family and friends, health professionals and service providers; and creating an environment that is respectful of all older people and takes into account the older person’s individual needs irrespective of their background, culture, gender or sexual diversity.

 2. Respond to existing and emerging challenges, including dementia care

The Australian Government is committed to increased flexibility in responding to emerging health and ageing priorities, by creating a funding base which ensures the ability to not only tailor responses and focus effort as new risks and challenges arise, but to anticipate and drive change in the system.

Activities funded under this priority will continue to address existing challenges such as dementia care; recognition of and cultural sensitivity towards older people from LGBTI communities; and includes providing support for the individual, their families and carers, staff who provide aged care services, and service providers.

Under this priority, other activities that may be funded include, but are not limited to, information, awareness, prevention and early intervention activities; culturally appropriate education and support; education and training; and building staff capacity in aged care services so that they gain increased knowledge and confidence in understanding the needs of all people in
their care.

3. Support activities that build the capacity of aged care services to deliver high quality care

The Australian Government is committed to supporting and encouraging improvements in the delivery of aged care and ensuring the best possible care for frail older Australians in residential and community aged care settings.

In order to support activities that build the capacity of aged care services to deliver high quality care the Department will fund a range of projects targeted at the translation of the best available evidence into effective approaches for staff to use in their everyday practice.

Under this priority, other activities that may be funded include, but are not limited to, training programs; improved communication procedures; assessment tools and/ or management policies and protocols.

4. Support activities to assist carers maintain their caring role

The Australian Government recognises that accurate information and support to navigate the system are essential to ensure that older people on the threshold of aged care, and their carers, know about the support services available to meet their needs and how to access them.

In supporting activities to assist carers maintain their caring role the Department will fund projects that provide high quality information, specialist advice and community awareness in a culturally appropriate manner.

Under this priority, other activities that may be funded include, but are not limited to, providing carers with timely and appropriate information resources which meet their information needs; contribution to and distribution of information about Australian Government programs in support of carers across the full range of carer needs, and promotion of available information.

5. Support to services providing aged care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people living in remote areas

The Australian Government supports older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people living in remote areas to access improved aged care services and infrastructure.

Providers of aged care services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people living in remote areas face particular challenges in service provision. These challenges can include issues around operating small services which may be remote from professional assistance and support, higher infrastructure and supply costs and difficulties in attracting and retaining staff.
Under this priority, activities that may be funded include, but are not limited to, capital works, including construction and upgrading of aged care buildings, major maintenance, the provision of staff housing where this is essential for the delivery of aged care services; acquisition of equipment essential to the delivery of aged care services; and emergency assistance.

6. Support for people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds

The Australian Government is committed to delivering aged care that is appropriate for all older people regardless of race, culture, language, gender, economic circumstances or geographic location.

Older people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds can access and benefit from the same funding and services as other older people in the community. However, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds can face particular difficulties in understanding aged care information and services, and receiving care appropriate to their needs.

Under this priority, activities that may be funded include, but are not limited to, projects that provide culturally and linguistically diverse communities with increased access to aged care services and information; cultural awareness training and support tools; equipping aged care providers with the necessary skills to deliver appropriate care, for example providing advice to service providers on the cultural and religious and dietary needs of particular communities; and improving access to translation and interpreting services.

Expert Assistance

We have significant experience in applying for health grants. Typical areas where we can be of assistance include:

• Demonstrating the identified need;
• Highlighting the relevance to current government policies and priorities;
• Complete the Project Plan and Budget Projections;
• Identify Outcomes that are measurable;
• Detail the applicant organisation’s experience or expertise in undertaking the project/s;
• Calculating the value for money; and
• Demonstrating capacity to deliver quality outcomes

Call us on 03 9005 6789 or email us to discuss how we can assist further.

Background

The Australian Government aims to ensure Australians have a better, more sustainable health system now and in the future.  To achieve this outcome, the Government will act to make best use of the skills and capacity of the available health workforce, address health workforce shortages and maintain appropriate standards for health practitioners.

The Australian Government has committed $620 million over five years for the ‘Connecting Health Services with the Future: Modernising Medicare by Providing Rebates for Online Consultations’ initiative (the Initiative) that will enable Australians in rural, remote and outer metropolitan areas to have better access to specialist services.

Funding Available

The Telehealth Support component will fund the development of a range of training supports, including continuing professional development training, tools and guidelines to facilitate online telehealth consultations and to promote uptake to the Initiative.

As a guide, the minimum funding available is $100,000 (GST exclusive) with a maximum of $2.0 million (GST exclusive). Timeframes for funding will be to a maximum period of 18 months until 31 May 2013.

Who is eligible to receive funding?

Accredited health education training providers and health professional organisations that represent the groups eligible for telehealth Medicare rebates are eligible to apply for funding.

These non-government organisations will be invited to submit proposals for funding to undertake innovative projects to develop continuing professional development training, support tools and guidelines to facilitate online video conference consultations and to promote uptake of the Initiative.

Who is not eligible for funding?

Telehealth Support applications will not be accepted from:

• Information Technology (IT) providers
• State or Territory Government entities
• Individuals
• Non incorporated organisations
• Applicants who do not hold a current Australian Business Number (ABN).

Potential Projects

Telehealth Support funding will be available to applicants proposing new and innovative projects that clearly demonstrate enhanced uptake and future sustainability to the Initiative.

Eligible organisations must demonstrate the capacity of their project to provide specific telehealth supports to rural, remote and outer metropolitan areas, with preference towards national-level coverage.

Telehealth Support projects considered for funding must address telehealth support activities in one or more of the following funding streams:

1. Development of Standards and Guidelines Funding Stream
2. Training and Support Funding Stream
3. Telehealth Support Officer Funding Stream
4. Development of Communications and Awareness Raising Activities Funding Stream

1. Development of Standards and Guidelines Funding Stream

Development and dissemination of professional standards and clinical guidelines to guide health practitioners in the provision of video consultations.

The development of professional standards and clinical guidelines is required for use by health practitioners to provide information and advice tailored to their specialty.  Guidelines will assist health practitioners to produce the maximum outcome for patients with the minimum impact on practices.

Preference will be towards best practice guidelines for online health consultations that encompass the spectrum of health providers involved, and that provide health practitioners with governing principals to provide appropriate consultations via online video conferencing technologies.

The guidelines must cover, at minimum, risk management strategies; delivery of care using online technologies; safety protocols; and information management, including managing patient records and privacy.

Telehealth guidelines will be a key source of information used to guide practitioners in the provision of telehealth consultations and will serve to inform safe and appropriate practice.

2. Training and Support Funding Stream

The provision of training to health practitioners is vital to increasing uptake to the Initiative.  Training developed must encompass the use of telehealth technology to enable effective, appropriate online video conference consultations.  Training will need to address a range of issues, including the clinical aspects of telehealth services as well as addressing patient privacy, cultural sensitivities and information on protocols. Activities should provide continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities to health practitioners through the development of training modules in telehealth service provision as part of that
organisation’s CPD role.

3. Telehealth Support Officer Funding Stream

The role of Telehealth Support Officers (TSO) will be to provide profession-specific advice and support to key organisations.  The engagement of such personnel will ensure enhanced capacity in the primary care and specialist sector to adopt telehealth practices by:

• providing information and communications technologies (ICT) training and support to medical practices in the installation and usage of teleconferencing equipment;
• disseminating information to promote the uptake of telehealth consultations;
• providing a communications network in which experiences can be shared and the quality of practice increased; and
• assist in data collection activities and evaluation of services on behalf of the Department.

3. Development of Communications and Awareness Raising Activities Funding Stream

Communications and awareness-raising activities would be managed through multiple routes to include information on Medicare item rebates, financial incentives, contacts and other supports as available.  Applicants must demonstrate how the project will maximise the uptake of telehealth services by ensuring health practitioners are aware of the benefits of the new Initiative.
Information developed for dissemination may include a number of flexible formats such as fact-sheets, pamphlets, which seek to inform on:

• the availability of telehealth technology;
• instructions on the use of and limits of telehealth technology;
• availability of support for the provision of telehealth consultations; and
• benefits of providing telehealth consultations.

What is not eligible for funding?

• Commercial ventures or products developed primarily for a commercial purpose;
• financial support for the business operations of an organisation; or
• set up or direct costs associated with technological implementation or infrastructure (ie. technical equipment).
• Funding under the Initiative is for new projects.  For example, applications from the Divisions of General Practice/ Medicare Locals for support officers to perform tasks that are part of the E-Health Support Officer

Expert Assistance

We have significant experience in applying for health grants. Typical areas where we can be of assistance include:

• Demonstrating the identified need;
• Highlighting the relevance to current government policies and priorities;
• Complete the Project Plan and Budget Projections;
• Identify Outcomes that are measurable;
• Detail the applicant organisation’s experience or expertise in undertaking the project/s;
• Calculating the value for money; and
• Demonstrating capacity to deliver quality outcomes

Call us on 03 9005 6789 or email us to discuss how we can assist further.

Introduction

The Health System Capacity Development Fund  is an Australian Government initiative administered by the Department of Health and Ageing designed to support activities that strengthen the capacity and understanding of the Australian health care system.

Fund objectives and priorities

The Health System Capacity Development Fund’s primary objective is to build an understanding of the health needs of population groups and approaches to addressing those needs that strengthen primary prevention in Australia.

The Health System Capacity Development Fund’s priorities are:

• supporting health, consumer, student and community organisations, including rural and remote organisations, to support policy development and safe, high quality health care systems and services;
• supporting targeted research in the field of primary health care, promulgating  targeted research and conducting  research translation activities to develop a robust evidence base; and
• supporting population health improvements through a focus on the social determinants of health, including through national  activities in relation to key population groups such as men, women and children.

Fund value

The total value of funds available under the Health System Capacity Development Fund, as announced in the 2011 Federal Budget, is $117 million over the four years ending 30 June 2015.  This amount includes funding that has been committed to the existing activities that were consolidated into the Fund.

On an annual basis, the Department will provide the Minister with an opportunity to set the priority areas for funding through the Health System Capacity Development Fund. These priorities will be used as the basis for allocating uncommitted money each year, and will allow for the adjustment of the funding allocation against priorities and to ensure that emerging population health challenges are being addressed.

Who can access the Fund?

Applicants from a wide range of non-government and government organisations are encouraged to apply.  Applicants may be able to apply for funding from more than Flexible Fund, and are also encouraged to apply to the Department for other, non-Fund activities.

What is eligible for funding?

To be considered for funding, applications must propose to undertake activities that meet the objectives and priorities of the Health System Capacity Development Fund including:

1. Supporting health, consumer, student and community organisations
2. Supporting primary health care research
3. Supporting population health improvements

1. Supporting health, consumer, student and community organisations

This includes rural and remote organisations, to support policy development and safe, high quality health care systems and services

To provide support for health, consumer and community organisations to support policy development and safe, high quality health care systems and services, the Department may fund a range of activities which may include, but are not limited to:

• Providing an interface between the Government, health professionals and consumers;
• strategic, priority driven evidence-based research;
• knowledge exchange, research translation, information sharing and dissemination of evidence-based research and data;
• health professional and community education and training and support;
• telephone and other support services;
• advocacy, including direct advice on policy and future ideas on the health of Australians and the health workforce; and
• supporting workforce development including through fellowships and scholarships, information education and training and the provision of networking opportunities.

b) Supporting primary health care research

Supporting targeted research in the field of primary health care to develop and promulgate a robust evidence base.
In order to support research activities in the field of primary health care, the Department may fund a range of activities which may include, but are not limited to:

• development of strategic, priority driven evidence-based research;
• dissemination of evidence-based research, through presentations and other mechanisms;
• translation of research for community, consumer, and policy audiences;
• development of evidence-based guidelines;
• knowledge exchange, research translation, information sharing of research; and
• publication of research.

Supporting population health improvements

Through a focus on the social determinants of health, including through national activities in relation to key population groups such as men, women and children.
In funding activities that meet these priorities, the Fund will take account of activities targeting populations experiencing health inequalities or social disadvantage including that based on gender, culture, age and disability. In order to support activities that promote population health improvements, the Department may fund a range of activities which may include, but are not limited to:

•  Support activities to promote women’s health;
• Support activities to promote men’s health;
• Support activities to improve the evidence base for women’s and men’s health, including sexual and reproductive health, and/or provide policy/program evaluation support for gender specific health activities;
• Activities to support breastfeeding including research, evaluation, training and telephone support services; and
• Support activities to improve the evidence base on maternity services and/or provide policy/program evaluation support for maternity services activities.

Expert Assistance

We have significant experience in applying for health grants. Typical areas where we can be of assistance include:

• Demonstrating the identified need;
• Highlighting the relevance to current government policies and priorities;
• Complete the Project Plan and Budget Projections;
• Identify Outcomes that are measurable;
• Detail the applicant organisation’s experience or expertise in undertaking the project/s;
• Calculating the value for money; and
• Demonstrating capacity to deliver quality outcomes

Call us on 03 9005 6789 or email us to discuss how we can assist further.

About

The aim of the Simulated Learning Environment (SLE) Program is to assist in increasing health workforce capacity and quality training capacity in the educational, private and non-government health provider sector in New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia by 30 June 2013.

As part of the Simulated Learning Environment (SLE) Program, funding of $46M will be allocated in 2010-11 to support SLE capital and establishment and $48M will be allocated to support recurrent operations.

Background

Health Workforce Australia is undertaking the Simulated Learning Environment (SLE) Program aiming to contribute to increased capacity of the health system to provide clinical training via the use of simulated learning modalities.

HWA is examining the problem of insufficient clinical placement positions as well as the need to train healthcare professionals more efficiently and effectively through the adoption of new and innovative training techniques.

Standardising curriculum delivered through learning using simulation techniques and reaching national agreement by the Deans of the professions will ensure students are trained using best practice education principles.

The initial scope for this stage of the Simulated Learning Environment (SLE) Program is to cover twelve professions including medicine, nursing, midwifery, paramedicine, oral health (inc. dentistry), occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech pathology, pharmacy, radiation science, social work and clinical psychology. Other professions may be included later in the project.

Health Workforce Australia’s main objectives of the Simulated Learning Environment (SLE) Program are:

• Increased use of simulated learning modalities in clinical training for entry level health professionals.
• Optimized clinical training experiences through the use of learning programs using simulation techniques to develop clinical skills and competencies required by health professionals.
• Increased equity of access for students to experience learning using simulation techniques in regional, rural and remote settings.
• Improved quality and consistency of clinical training.

Use of Funding

Funding is provided for the Simulated Learning Environment (SLE) Program to increase access to simulation programs for students and clinicians including:

Capital

• purchase the simulation assets set out in the respondent’s proposal to support simulated learning environments (SLEs) for the purposes of the Project;
• train students and clinicians using the simulation assets purchased for the Project and any existing simulation learning equipment owned by the respondent to increase clinical placement capacity for the purposes of the Project;

Recurrent

•  ongoing staffing appointments that relate to the training of students and clinicians using simulation assets purchased for the Project and any existing simulation learning equipment owned by the respondent and used to train students and clinicians for the purposes of the Project;
• ongoing maintenance of the simulation assets purchased for the Project or existing simulation equipment owned by the respondent and used for the purposes of the Project; and
• purchasing additional simulation equipment and consumables with an individual item value less than $5,000 and used for the purposes of the Project;

General

• deliver simulation programs to students and health professionals in rural and remote areas;
• source opportunities for interprofessional learning using simulation techniques; and
•  use both the recurrent funds and capital and establishment funds to  support the establishment of new and expansion of  existing SLEs.

Simulated Learning Environments Summary Curricular Project

In December 2010 work was completed which identified the current and potential use of simulation techniques in the curricula of twelve professions. A report was prepared outlining the findings of the project and documenting national agreement to the use of SLEs in curricula by universities throughout Australia.

Download the technical reports for the 12 individual professions in pdf format below:

• Clinical Psychology:
  Use of Simulated Learning Environments in Clinical Psychology Curricula
• Dentistry and Oral Health:
  Use of Simulated Learning Environments in Dentistry and Oral Health Curricula
• Medicine:
  Simulated Learning Environments Medical Curriculum Report
• Midwifery:
  Simulated Learning Environments – Midwifery Curriculum
• Nursing:
  Use of Simulated Learning Environments in Nursing Curricula
• Occupational Therapy:
  Use of Simulated Learning Activities in Occupational Therapy Curriculum
• Paramedicine:
  Use of Simulated Learning Environments in Paramedicine Curricula
• Pharmacy:
  Use of Simulation in Pharmacy School Curricula
• Physiotherapy:
  Health Workforce Australia National Simulated Learning Project Report for Physiotherapy
• Radiation Science:
  Use of Simulated Learning Environments in Radiation Science Curricula
• Social Work:
  Visioning technology based simulated learning environments in the social work curriculum
• Speech Pathology:
  Integration of Simulated Learning Environments into Speech Pathology Clinical Education Curricula: A National Approach

Capital Establishment and Recurrent Funding

HWA has directly applied a proportion of funding to State and Territory government health agencies for allocation across the public sector. Proposals from jurisdictions have been considered. Some of these proposals include formal partnership arrangements with the higher education and non government sectors in that jurisdiction. Where this cross sectoral approach is assessed as being comprehensive, no further funding round will be conducted for that jurisdiction.

Where the higher education and non government sector contribution is limited, a further funding round will commence for these sectors.

HWA is now undertaking a project which is aimed at increasing the capacity of non-government health training bodies in New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia to provide clinical training through the use of simulated learning modalities.

Timeframe for Request for Proposals

Closing time for the Simulated Learning Environment (SLE) Program is 5pm, 18 November 2011

Expert Assistance with Simulated Learning Environment (SLE) Program

In the last three years, we have assisted organisations obtain over $110 M in government grants for Health Infrastructure. Call us on 03 9005 6789 to see how we can make your bid more competitive.