Health Workforce
(GEN 2,7)
The health of individuals and communities is poorer the further the distance from a metropolitan centre; holding positions of trust with patients, rural and remote GPs provide health care to the majority of people in the community in which they reside and have little day-to-day contact with others of their profession which often leads to a feeling of isolation and challenges in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. This is true also for other health professionals including nurses and allied health professionals. Retention of health professionals in rural and remote locations is an ongoing challenge requiring input from the whole community, state and Australian Government to resolve. Identified Need Health Workforce outcome of service needs analysis
Key Issue There is a continued difficulty in attracting, recruiting and retention of GPs and allied health professionals to rural and remote areas ∙ All of the CSAPHN region except Port Augusta, Whyalla, Gawler, Mount Barker and Victor Harbor are considered GP distribution priority areas ∙ GPs often responsible for ED and acute hospital services as well as primary health care via general practice ∙ Many localities with limited or no services ∙ Rates of podiatrists, psychologists, registered nurses, optometrists and physiotherapists are below state averages in all CSAPHN regions, despite higher rates of chronic disease and mental illness ∙ Rates of GPs, pharmacists and dentists are below state averages in nearly all CSAPHN regions ∙ Long wait times to see a practitioner ∙ Ageing of the rural and remote health workforce.
Description of Evidence ∙ Leading issue in priority matrix ∙
∙ HWA rates of health practitioners ∙ DoH distribution priority areas mapped via DoctorConnect ∙ Key theme in all stakeholder engagement and feedback ∙ NHSD and CSAPHN internal service mapping ∙ SA Health inpatient data ∙ HWA report: National Rural and Remote Health Workforce Innovation and Reform Strategy (HWA 2013) ∙ RDWA Medical Outreach programs by specialty and location (RDWA undated a, undated b, undated c)
All of the CSAPHN region is considered a district of workforce shortage for medical specialists. Challenges in accessing business improvement and professional development opportunities for rural and remote practitioners.
PRIMARY HEALTH NETWORKS Needs Assessment 2019-2022 (2019 Update)V2 Page 26
