Rural Generalist Program In Central Highlands

Overview

Initiative type

Service Improvement

Status

Published

15 August 2017

Topic

Rural and remote Service improvement Showcase 2017

Summary

The history of our medical workforce at Emerald Hospital since 1989 and the impact that the Rural Generalists Program has had on the sustainability of the medical workforce since its introduction into Emerald Hospital in 2013.

Key dates

Aug 2017 - Aug 2017

Implementation sites

Emerald Hospital

Aim

To improve service continuity and patient experience.

Benefits

Improves resource availability in rural and remote areas.

Background

Emerald Hospital was fully dependant of locum staff between 2000 and 2012, with frequent whole of service failures.

Evaluation and results

The rural generalist program started in 2013 in Emerald Hospital with 2 trainees appointed. It has now appointed Senior Medical Officers (SMO’s) including 5 Rural Generalists who have completed their Fellowship of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (FACRRM) specialty and high staff engagement rates and morale leading to positive patient feedback.

Lessons learnt

The Rural Generalists Program has been a huge success for recruiting and retaining SMO’s in Central Queensland.

Key contact

Dr Julieanne Graham

Director of Medical Services

Emerald Hospital

Email: Julieanne.Graham@health.qld.gov.au

Last updated: April 2025