Rural Generalist Program In Central Highlands

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Initiative Type
Service Improvement
Status
Close
Added
15 August 2017
Last updated
15 July 2019

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.

Further Reading

Queensland Government Rural Generalist Program

Allied Health Professions' Office of Queensland 

ABC News Article: Queensland's rural generalist program helps turnaround doctor shortage in the bush

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Key contact

Dr Julieanne Graham
Director of Medical Services
Emerald Hospital
(07) 4987 9591
Julieanne.Graham@health.qld.gov.au

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