Health chief claims collaborative GP approach is best

Hunter New England Central Coast Public Health Network chief Mr Richard Nankervis has claimed that a collaborative approach led by local doctors was proving more successful than relying on medical recruitment agencies to attract GPs to the Peninsula.

Mr Nankervis said: "Last year we supported the establishment of a community working group consisting of local GPs, general practice staff and workforce specialists.

"Following the establishment of the group we have had three new GPs commence work in the Woy Woy area and a new practice has opened in Umina," he said.

"In addition to that, four extra GP registrars have commenced.

"When we first looked at possible strategies to address the shortage of GPs, we were fortunate that the Commonwealth Government approved the allocation of $100,000 of funding towards this work.

"The view at that time was that this could be used to offset recruitment fees and services.

"However, due to success of the working group, this funding has not been needed so we are looking to reallocate it towards other workforce initiatives.

"These include scholarships and training to continue to upskill our highly valued local GPs, and also includes building of our aboriginal health workforce."

Mr Nankervis said the Network believed that the model recently adopted is sustainable and replicable.

"Our Network believes a collaborative model led by clinicians such as that currently operating in the Woy Woy area is best placed to address the long-term challenges of providing a health workforce that is adequate in numbers, capable, responsive and sustainable."

He said the Network was also implementing a Central Coast GP scholarship program in partnership with the Central Coast Local Health District.

The program provided an opportunity for local GPs to work with Health District specialists to broaden their professional development and broader clinical experience.

Eight GPs would be placed in the palliative care, drug and alcohol, paediatrics, and obstetrics and gynaecology departments.

SOURCE:

Media release, 13 Jun 2018

Scott White, HNECCPHN