FULLY FUNDED TERTIARY QUALIFICATION LAUNCHES TO ADDRESS PERINATAL MENTAL HEALTH CLINICIAN SHORTAGE IN AUSTRALIAN-FIRST Tertiary qualification launched by Gidget Foundation and Federation University.
With Arabella Gibson, CEO
Gidget Foundation Australia
SEGMENT
Filmed in North Sydney | January 2025
Demand for perinatal mental health services is continuing to surge year-on-year. In fact, perinatal mental health organisation, Gidget Foundation Australia (GFA), has supported 30% more clients in FY2024 than in FY2023, up by 214% since FY2021.
Perinatal depression and anxiety (PNDA) impacts 100,000 Australians each year, equating to one in five mums and one in ten dads, with PNDA costing Australia $877 million annually. To address the nationwide shortage of specialist perinatal mental health clinicians, Gidget Foundation Australia has partnered with Federation University to launch the Graduate Diploma in Perinatal Mental Health.
Australian Health Journal met with Arabella Gibson, CEO Gidget Foundation Australia following the announcement to hear about the Gidget mission and the new initiative to address the perinatal mental health clinician shortage.
The new Graduate Diploma in Perinatal Mental Health creates a unique offering in the industry, providing comprehensive ‘on the job’ training, weekly supervision for clinicians, academic modules and a paid placement opportunity as well as ongoing employment through Gidget Foundation Australia’s face-to-face or telehealth services.
The new partnership, create an Australian-first offering of a fully supported tertiary qualification. Gidget Foundation Australia and Federation University have engaged in the unique co-design and co-delivery of the qualification, with both organisations developing and delivering practical and theoretical course content.
Ms Gibson says the Gidget Foundation, with Federation University, is committed to ensuring robust clinical standards are achieved through providing exceptional education for clinicians working in the perinatal space.
“We’ve seen demand for perinatal depression and anxiety support continue to rise, our clinicians supported 30% more clients in FY2024 than in FY2023. It’s essential we have enough qualified clinicians to meet this growing demand to address the critical needs of the individuals impacted.
“Equity, access, and affordability can be a barrier for allied health professionals to further extend their professional knowledge and skills. The Graduate Diploma in Perinatal Mental Health enables health professionals to upskill in perinatal and infant mental health and creates an accessible pathway to enhance knowledge and experience across the sector; whilst benefitting the health professional, clients, and the wider community.”, says Ms Gibson.
The first cohort of the new Graduate Diploma in Perinatal Mental Health will graduate in July 2025 and applications opened in November 2024 for the February 2025 intake.
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Awareness campaigns and HCP Toolkits for thyroid health
In 2021, the Australian Thyroid Foundation released analysis to show, well over 1 million Australian are living with an undiagnosed thyroid disorder, including thyroid cancer, lower IQs, lifelong disability, and a causal or possible contributory factor – in the development of other neurological disorders such as ADHD and autism. Some of the challenges for diagnosis and treatment can be addressed by producing material for health care practitioners during patient presentations.
‘Recent statistics show well over 1 million Australians are living with an undiagnosed thyroid disorder, awareness and testing can prevent unwarranted outcomes for mothers and their babies’ says ATF CEO Beverley Garside OAM
The Australian Thyroid Foundation has lodged a Pre-Budget Submission for the Federal Budget 2024-25 to counter increasing misinformation on social media creating dietary deficiencies such as an increasing number of young women, who are planning pregnancy or already pregnant opting for plant based milks such almond, soy or oat milk coffee as an alternative to standard cow’s milk, which is a source of iodine and alternate milks do not include.
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Pathology technology at a crossroads
The CEO of Pathology Technology Australia, Dean Whiting spoke with Australian Health Journal about the following:
– Pathology Technology Australia’s key priorities in the coming years
– Current local capability in pathology technology compared to other countries
– How the health system supports change and adoption of pathology technology
– How pathology is perceived by the public and in government as well as how developments in pathology technology are followed and understood
– Observations in the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce ReportIn the lead up to the Australian Federal Budget in May 2023, Australian Health Journal reached out to peak health industry bodies to hear about their priorities, either noted in pre-budget submissions lodged with Federal Government in January 2023 or in recent forums such as the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce.
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SAHMRI Celebrates 10 Years of Research
SAHMRI represents an exciting and unique statewide concept, bringing together basic and translational research, South Australia’s three universities and the health system. SAHMRI works in collaboration with its partners to provide a clear focal point for health and medical research, including paving the way for new partnerships, innovative research projects and improved health outcomes.
Executive Director, Professor Maria Makrides spoke to Australian Health Journal about 3 achievements in the past 10 years that have had significant impact
International leadership breakthroughs in leukaemia research
Culturally appropriate Indigenous health research and clinical care
Omega 3 fatty acids as a preterm birth prevention
