In 2013-14, 190 460 Australians accessed services through this programme. However, it has become an essential part of the Australian health workforce. Outreach represents 28.7% of specialist services in very remote areas, and 4.2% in remote areas (Health Policy Analysis, 2011). An evaluation of the Medical Specialist Outreach Assistance Programme - which has since been brought into the Rural Health Outreach Fund - indicated it had the greatest impact in reducing the gap in access in very remote areas (Health Policy Analysis, 2011).