Govts urged to fix rural nurse, midwife shortage

The Rural Doctors Association (RDA) of Australia wants federal and state governments to address a shortage of nurse and midwives in rural communities.

The RDA says women in country South Australia are being put at risk by being forced to travel long distances because regional health services have closed due to staff shortages.

Association president Dr Peter Rischbieth says rural health is on the brink of disaster and there should be more funding for medical training in rural communities.

"We know that there have been over 20 maternity units closed in rural South Australia in the last 10 years and we need to be aware that we need to do everything we can to support those units that are providing these essential services for rural women and their families," he said.

Article from www.abc.net.au/news