Call for more generalist doctors and specialist nurses

In an article recently published in The Conversation, Professor Don Campbell from Monash University explains Why hospitals need more generalist doctors and specialist nurses.  With an ageing population with complex needs making increasing demands on our hospitals, Campbell argues that "we need to redesign the workforce so hospitals are staffed by general physicians and nurses who take on more complex roles."

Because we are living longer we are likely to develop multiple chronic diseases so need a generalist to manage our care. Nurses however need to up-skill into more specialist roles.  Examples of hospital workforce reform along these lines is given from the UK, the US and New Zealand.