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.
Rural Generalist Program In Central Highlands
Initiative Type
Service Improvement
Status
Close
Added
Last updated
Summary
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.
