Unemployment and health: the healthcare system's role

Experts from the South Western Sydney Area Health Service and the University of New South Wales say there are few reports of healthcare interventions to address the impact of unemployment on health. They outline possible strategies, which include providing accessible and appropriate healthcare; developing the healthcare system's capacity to deal with the health problems of unemployed people; collaborating with other agencies and sectors working on this issue; acting as an advocate for unemployed people; undertaking research; and providing training, work experience and employment opportunities within the healthcare system. Long term solutions lie in increasing employment and training opportunities. Nevertheless, there is a clear role for the healthcare system in reducing the health impacts of unemployment and ensuring that poor health does not act as a barrier to returning to work.