Tag Archives: Health Career

Aug 9 2012

Doctors and the bush – money isn’t everything

Rural Health Workforce says it takes more than money to attract and recruit doctors to work in country areas.

Rural Health were referring to yesterdays NACCHO commmunique

DOCTORS WANT EXTRA CASH TO GO BUSH

“People move for different reasons, not just dollars,” says Rural Health Workforce CEO Greg Sam. “Family, lifestyle and professional opportunities are also very important.”

Mr Sam was responding to a Melbourne University research paper published today which suggests that city doctors would need a salary increase of up to $200,000 to work in some country areas.

The research, Getting Doctors into the Bush: GP’s Preferences for Rural Location, found that the desired compensation varied according to practice location and workplace conditions. It identified factors such as on-call workload, town size and local services as key influences on intention to move.

“Rural medicine itself presents wonderful personal and professional opportunities, where doctors get to experience broad scope of practice and a real sense of community connection,” Mr Sam says.

“We also need to make sure that prospective rural doctors and their families are well supported so they can continue providing the best of care to country communities

“This of course applies to all kinds of health professionals because workforce in the bush isn’t just about doctors – we need more nurses and allied health professionals as well. They also need to be properly incentivised and supported.”

Mr Sam says he agrees with the underlying theme of the research paper that financial incentives alone will not resolve the issue of rural workforce maldistribution.

“We’re pleased that the authors of this paper have recognised that appropriately supported practices not only provide high levels of professional satisfaction in rural areas but also lessen the importance of the workforce ‘problem’.

“It’s precisely the approach taken by our national network of Rural Workforce Agencies. They know from experience that things like access to locum support and professional training are very important to health practitioners.”

Rural Health Workforce is the peak body for the state and territory Rural Workforce Agencies. These not-for-profit organisations attract, recruit and support health professionals to meet the primary healthcare needs of rural and remote communities.

Media inquiries: Tony Wells, RHW Communications Manager, 0417 627 91

Jul 25 2012

Aboriginal health careers: Go on make your mob proud’ AHMRC TV commercial

 

The Aboriginal Health & Medical Research Council of New South Wales ( AH&MRC)  has worked in collaboration with Broken Hill University Department of Rural Health University of Sydney (BHUDRHUS) on a health career promotion project with students from Bourke High School and the staff of Bourke Aboriginal Health Service.

 

The project is targeted at high school students and is about encouraging them to consider careers in health by having hands on clinical experiences.

 The activities that the students participated in at Bourke Aboriginal Health Service were provided by staff from the service and a student doctor from Sydney University.

 The collaboration has resulted in the production of a TV commercial that is being shown over there weeks.

 ‘Go on make your mob proud!’ TV Commercial – Imparja and GO TV stations over three weeks:

 Week 1-Saturday 30th June to Friday 6 July 2012;

Week 2-Monday 17 September to Sunday 23 September 2012; and

Week 3-Sunday 4 November to Saturday November 2012.

More about the project

What is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service (ACCHS)?

Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS) sometimes called Aboriginal Medical Services (AMS) are health services which are developed and managed by Aboriginal people to provide culturally appropriate primary health care programs for Aboriginal people and communities. There are over 50 ACCHS in NSW offering a wide range of job opportunities.

Why work in an ACCHS?

You are working to make a real difference to peoples’ lives. Each person working at an ACCHS is contributing to improving the health of the local community. The work is interesting and includes opportunities for ongoing training and promotion. Potentially you could find a job in over 140 locations across Australia.

What jobs are on offer?
  • Administration roles;
  • Aboriginal Health Workers;
  • Nurses;
  • Doctors;
  • Allied Health, such as Dieticians, Psychologists, Physiotherapists;
  • Drug and Alcohol workers;
  • Mental Health and Social and Emotional Wellbeing workers;
  • Management such as team leaders, practice managers, deputy CEOs and CEOs;
How do I get a job at an ACCHS?
How do you start a career at an ACCHS?

Have a yarn with James Porter from the AH&MRC or use the contact form below.