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The Goldfields Esperance GP Network Workforce Support Program includes the following initiatives:
Information packs are distributed throughout the Goldfields region to all new GPs, Registrars and Locums. The pack is designed to assist them in assimilating into the local community.
Information contained in the pack consists of:
- An application for the GP Education and Training Grant
- Network contact lists – including GPs, staff and Board members
- Information about the Goldfields
- Local health services information
- Network Program information
A time is also set aside by the Network to give a more in-depth and personal orientation to each new Doctor who begins employment within the Goldfields, whether they are based in Kalgoorlie, Esperance or more remotely.
This orientation is an initiative designed by the Goldfields Esperance GP Network to provide an overview of the Networks programs, make available information about local services including schooling, employment for family members and community groups. The orientation also gives the new Doctor the chance to become familiar with the Network staff and gives them an opportunity to discuss and address any issues that the Network may be of assistance with.
The Travel & Accommodation Subsidy is available to support remote GPs to attend regionally based education programs that they ordinarily would not have access to.
The remote GPs are able to access the travel subsidy to attend education, training and meetings in either Kalgoorlie or Esperance
This subsidy can assist with course fees, travel and accommodation up to $1000. There are 7 of these grants available per financial year.
This project is run with the intention of making sure that the Practice staff employed within a GP surgery feel part of the Network, and are able to take advantage of the opportunities available to them. Whether this is with regard to education issues, recruitment and retention, or administration issues. The intention of this Program is that Practice Staff see the Network as supporting them in order to support the GPs.
The Network arranges an annual Practice Staff Weekend held alternatively in Kalgoorlie-Boulder and Esperance for the practice staff throughout the region. This includes both the GP and specialist Practices. The weekend also offers opportunities for the Practice staff to liaise and network. Practice staff suggest topics for the forum, presentations are then provided on Network activities by a range of different presenters.
Practice staff across the Network are regularly surveyed to assess the need for networking and shared skills up-skilling. Practice staff are linked in with the Practice Nurses events to ensure that all staff employed within the practice have the opportunity to be involved in their continuous education.
1 JULY 2009 / 30 JUNE 2010
Background
As part of the Regional Health Strategy: More Doctors, Better Services, the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care, in their 2000-2001 budget, developed the Workforce Support for Rural General Practitioners Program. The Eastern Goldfields Medical Division of General Practice Ltd trading as Goldfields Esperance GP Network, through our ongoing needs analysis, identified the need to provide rural and remote GPs with opportunities to attend training and Professional Development outside the Goldfields region.
Requirements
- GPs who wish to attend education, training and professional development must apply for assistance to the GEGPN at least one month prior to commencement of conference. GPs will be required to complete the attached application form addressing the key selection criteria, forwarding a copy of the conference program to the GEGPN. The GP Education Committee will review each application and advice GPs if successful or not, outlining the reasons if the application is unsuccessful.
- GPs are to arrange all their own travel, accommodation and conference bookings providing the Network with copies of their receipts on acceptance of their application.
- GPs are to write an article for the GEGPN newsletter to be published two months from return of conference to include details of the skills learnt to better service the Goldfields region, after which payment will be forwarded to you.
- GEGPN assistance is not available if you are attending courses provided by Rural Health West or are reimbursed by other organisations e.g. GP Registrars receive training assistance through the FMP Rural training scheme.
- One grant is available per GP and applications are to be reviewed on first in, first served basis.
Key Selection Criteria
GPs to attend education programs that address the needs of the region providing qualitative information in the form of regional health needs and/or needs of individual practices, i.e. Obstetrics, Paediatrics, Palliative Care, Aboriginal Health etc.
Details of Grants available
| Type of Grant |
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Amount |
| Grant for remote GPs residing in Wiluna, Leinster, Laverton, Leonora, Southern Cross, Kambalda and Norseman |
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7 grants available from 1 July 2009 to 30 June 2010 each amounting to $1,200 |
| Grant for regional GPs residing in Kalgoorlie-Boulder and Esperance |
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7 grants available from 1 July 2009 to 30 June 2010 each amounting to $1000 |
Click here for link to the application form
This project to support new GPs coming to work within the Goldfields region. This is seen as an essential part of the Networks Workforce Support program. The support we offer to new GPs can range from helping them to find somewhere to live, to organising family support with regard to schooling, employment and networking with their peers.
Goldfields Esperance GP Network supports the curriculum requirements of GP registrars. This project is run in conjunction with Western Australia General Practice Education and Training (WAGPET).
The Network is committed to supporting female Medical Practitioners, in the format of facilitating meetings and events.
The aim is to support females working within medicine including GPs, Locums, Interns and Specialists recognising the unique environment they work in balancing both professional and family commitments.
The “Women in Medicine Group” meet on a regular basis. The group holds both formal and informal meetings to give both peer support and education opportunities to female Doctors.
To find out more details on all programs please refer to the ‘Applications Portal’ (http://apps.goldhealth.net.au/application/notice/notice.asp) or contact the GEGPN on (08) 90216610.
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