RDWA Annual Report 2014-2015

“In a report published by the Gratton Institute in 2013 Stephen Duckett and Peter Breadon tell us

“

RDWA TIMESPREMIER WORKFORCE AGENCY FOR RURAL SOUTH AUSTRALIA

RURAL DOCTORS WORKFORCE AGENCY ANNUAL REPORT 2014/15 WWW.RURALDOC.COM.AU

IN THIS ISSUE

THE CHALLENGE ISDISTRIBUTION

The fact that there are now 600 GPs and registrars working and living in rural South Australia is fantastic news for rural communities. Our workforce has been growing for some years, which helps us to provide much-needed local services to the people who live in country towns.

Ten years ago there were 373 GPs and 48 GP training places in country, a total of 421.

In 2015 we have hit an important milestone, we now have 600 GPs and registrars working across rural and remote SA.In that time the number of GPs has increased to 491and the training places for registrars has increased to 109.

While recruitment is an important part of what we do it is our retention strategies and programs that really make a difference to local communities. By supporting our doctors to stay and develop long standing professional and personal relationships we are helping to improve the overall health and wellbeing of people living in country SA. Our track record of retaining doctors is excellent. Australian Doctors work an average of 15.9 years in country South Australia while International Graduates stay 6.8 years. The retention of GPs in very remote locations has improved substantially from an average of 2.6 years in 2006 to an average of 11.3 years in 2015.

This year for the first time in more than a decade the number of Australian graduates has exceeded the number of international doctors recruited. Our programs aimed at attracting young people to take up a career as a rural GP are beginning to bear fruit and we continue to be successful in attracting well qualified practitioners from overseas.

The work of the RDWA has created a focal point for collaboration and workforce innovation, enabling service to be maintained in rural communities where they may have been at risk of disappearing or diminishing. The RDWA continues to be a valued partner in the complex network that provides health services to rural South Australia.

600 GPs IN COUNTRY SA

By Lyn Poole

PAGE 3 PAGE 7 PAGE 11

GETTING OUTREACH TO THE APY

GROWINGOUR OWN

Shortages of GP services have a big impact. When people can’t see a GP, they get sick with conditions that could be prevented. This is costly for the health system and individuals”

2 Rural Doctors Workforce Agency Inc I Annual Report 2014 - 2015

LOCUMThe RDWA Locum service provided more than 400 weeks of service to rural and remote communities in South Australia. Some of this service helps sustain rural practices when they have don’t have a doctor for a period of time. The RDWA supported Mid Eyre, Streaky Bay and Orroroo while the new resident doctor was being recruited. This means that communities that would not have had access to doctors retain their medical services, and allow the local hospitals to continue to function.

The RDWA aims to ensure that rural South Australian communities always have access to a doctor for their own health care and for the hospital.

OUTREACH The RDWA’s outreach services are an integral part of local health services in rural SA. More than 28,000 patient services were delivered in 2014/15 by the 160 specialists, GPs, nurses and allied health professionals. On average, 47 visits are provided each week to SA’s rural and remote communities.

RDWA’s outreach programs provide high quality services that enable people to access healthcare close to home. The health professionals providing these services are dedicated and committed to rural people.

With more than 92% of the health professionals visiting the same communities for at least three years, this is much more than a fly-in fly-out service. The consistent support of outreach health professionals means that patients and GPs develop strong healthcare bonds with the visiting services. Country people value the commitment and dedication of every outreach provider.

Every outreach visit impacts on the patient, their family and the local community. Waiting times for diagnosis and treatment are reduced, and patients do not have to travel unnecessarily. Visiting health professionals regularly provide professional development sessions for local health staff, and work with the locals to ensure that patient care is well coordinated.

For many of the remote Indigenous communities, without the outreach services, access to medical care and support for chronic disease management would be very limited.

IndexMarket Report ................2 And the Challenge is Distribution.....3Chairman’s Report ..............4Strategic Directions.... ...........5CEO’s Report .................6Growing Our Own ..............7Nothing Beats a Conversation .....8Fellowship Strategy Program .....8Letters to the Editor ............9Regional Round Up ...........10Finance ...................16On Camera .................18RDWA staff ................19Sports .....................20

Market Report

AusGrad IMG Registrar

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

48 4352 49

54

67 8588

100

109

119 121 128 133 149

177 173174 186

206

254 245 248 243 244261 254 270 270 285

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

GPs in RURAL SA 2006 to 2015

Allied Health and Nursing412,972

Locum Program 4,110,941

Retention971,401

Business Services138,580

Workforce1,347,752

Partnership236,348

Outreach Services4,224,384

Program Expenditure 2014/15 Market Announcements 2014/15July 2014• 59 high school students are introduced to the UMAT at RDWA’s three day

medSPACE Residential Workshop

• The first Rural Emergency Skills Program (RESP) course for 2014/15 is run in Renmark. A total of 158 doctors attended a RESP course in 2014/15

August 2014• The Quorn Clinical Skills Weekend provided an up close opportunity for 22

medical students to experience rural medicine

September 2014• The first orientation session for the RDWA/RFDS Ride Along Program is held.

There were 76 participants in the weekend attachments in 2014/15

October 2014• The new Certificate IV Professional Practice Management course

commences with 13 participants

November 2014• The RDWA Strategic Directions 2015-2020 ‘Foundation and Futures’ were

formally launched at the RDWA Annual General Meeting

December 2014• 8 Dentists were supported on the Dental Relocation and Infrastructure

Support Scheme (DRISS) program during 2014/15

January 2015• In 2014/15 RDWA partnered with law firm Piper Alderman to provide rural

practices with 22 Medical Services Agreements for new doctors

February 2015• New doctor is recruited into solo practice in Orroroo.

March 2015• 38 RMOs, interns and final year medical students hear from rural GPs in

round table discussions at the Go Rural GP Career evening

April 2015• 409 weeks of Locum service are provided to rural GPs in 2014/15

May 2015 • The RDWA Annual Conference is attended by 100 GPs and their families

along with 86 attendees of the University Students Program

June 2015• 17 rural practice staff graduated the Practice Managers Program with a

professional qualification

• 18 rural health professionals recruited

Market Turnover

Commonwealth Grants

$7,018,288

State government Grants

$7,059,706

Rural Health Work-force Australia

$637,871

Other operating revenue

$2,021,305

See page 16 for audited financial statements

Dividend Forecast for 2015/16

• GP Local Program set to deliver over 40 events in 15/16

• Fellowship Strategy Program will launch in August with a series of regionally based events

• Rural Health Professionals Program set to continue and

expand

• 100th Rural Emergency Skills Program (RESP) will be run

VISITING SPECIALIST PATIENT SERVICE IN THE APY LANDS

+992

RURAL EMERGENCY SKILLSPROGRAM (RESP) PARTICIPATIONS158

+65

RDWA OPERATINGREVENUE $16,737,170

+ $1,328,289

GP HEADCOUNT IN RURAL SA - 600 RURAL GPS

+44

Headcount GPs and GP Registrars, Source: RDWA GP Workforce Data 2006 to 2015

3Rural Doctors Workforce Agency Inc I Annual Report 2014 - 2015

Having 600 GPs working in country South Australia is fantastic. Having a record number of Australian graduates progressing through our systems and becoming rural GPs is what we’ve all worked for, for so long.These strategies have involved expansion of medical training to increase the availability of Australian trained GPs, bonus payments for GPs choosing to work in rural and remote areas and requiring overseas GPs to work in rural and remote areas before being able to practice in cities.

Since colonisation, there has always been a mix and blend of international doctors working in this country. We do not believe that this should change. Certainly it is preferable that we have less reliance on international doctors filling the positions required in country South Australia however we recognise that it is a healthy mix that has enhanced the fabric that underpins rural communities.

It isn’t as simple as finding a doctor and depositing them in a country town. There is an enormous amount of work that goes into matching the needs of the town, the practice with the needs of the recruit and their family.

The challenge remains for us to have the right people in the right place with the right skills serving all rural communities.

Part of the difficulty is increasing our training capacity in small towns to ensure that we maximise the exposure that registrars can have while they are learning their craft. This in turn will increase their appetite for working in small communities some of which are a long way from metropolitan Adelaide.

To do this we need more doctors working in these communities so there is the capacity for them to take on teaching roles in addition to their patient workload.

Part of our difficulty is managing within the Commonwealth determinations that impact on our ability to choose the best available people to work as rural GPs in many of our locations. The Rural Workforce Agencies have been in conversation with both the Department of Health and the Minister for Rural Health to try to get agreement for us to have a constant classification of District of Workforce Shortage (DWS) granted for all towns that fall within the Modified Monash Model in Category 5-7.

This would mean that small towns with populations of less than 5000 people would be eligible to have international doctors recruited into their locations. The current system assesses the number of GPs as a ratio to population.

The classifying of towns for DWS is now an annual event and is fixed for twelve months. Most of the practices in small towns in rural South Australia not only provide excellent GP services to their communities in their clinics but they are also the same GPs who provide accident and emergency services to their local hospital 24 hours a day seven days a week and admit and care for the patients who require acute-care.

This additional workload is not taken into account when calculating the ratios nor is there any recognition of how quickly circumstances can change and a town can go from four GPs to two in a short space of time. The pressure that this places on the remaining doctors is often intolerable and can lead to a town being left with no doctors at all. We will continue to make these arguments to the Commonwealth to allow us maximum flexibility in recruiting and retaining a doctor workforce for all of these small communities.

And the

Challenge isDistribution

Rural GPs Needed - We want you!!!!

Contact the RDWA to make it happen 08 8234 8277

Market Report - continued

Service Summary2014/15

409Locum Weeks

49GPs Recruited

28,738Outreach

Patient Services

151

54

60

49

AustGrad

IMG

Registrar

181

105Female

Male

Total GPs in Country SA

Shortages of GPs are more commonly experienced in rural and remote areas prompting Governments to introduce a raft of policies aimed at encouraging GPs to consider practice in these areas.

VIEWPOINTRDWA CEO Lyn Poole


CHAIRMAN’S ReportEditorial


ByDr Richard Mackinnon, Chair RDWA

© Rural Doctors Workforce AgencyNovember 2015

ISBN 978-0-9870475-6-4

RDWA TIMESRural Doctors Workforce Agency Incorporated2014/15 Annual Report

The author reserves copyright in this publication. It may be reproduced in whole or in part for study or training purposes in various formats subject to the inclusion of an acknowledgement of the source. Reproduction for purposes other than those indicated above requires written permission of the Rural Doctors Workforce Agency.

Enquiries concerning this publication and its reproduction should be directed to:The Chief Executive OfficerRural Doctors Workforce Agency63 Henley Beach RoadMile End South Australia 5031T +61 8 8234 8277F +61 8 8234 0002E [email protected]

ruraldoc.com.au

The Rural Doctors Workforce Agency is a non-profit organisation that receives funding from the South Australian Department of Health and Ageing, the Australian Government Department of Health and Rural Health Workforce Australia.

It is ten years since the South Australian Department of Health released “Recognising the past- rewriting the future, a new partnership with rural doctors” a package of strategies and funding to address issues impacting the medical workforce in country South Australia. In excess of $27.2 million was committed to the program which increased RDWA’s funding from Country Health SA over $9 million over the four years from 2004 to 2007.

This funding allowed RDWA to increase its efforts through significant increases in funding support to the rural locum service, the recruitment and retention of Australian and overseas trained doctors, continuing medical education of GPs and specialists in rural areas, workforce planning and, for the first time, development of business support

and new models of business to ensure rural general practice viability.

This funding marked a new phase for RDWA allowing a period of expansion and refinements of our programs which created long term stability within the medical workforce across country SA and considerable innovation in models of service delivery. Our partnerships with GPs strengthened and together through collaboration and workforce innovation we enabled services to be maintained and even enhanced where previously they may have been at risk of disappearing or diminishing.

Looking back over these past ten years we can see the success of these programs and the strategies that drove them. We now have 600 resident GPs across rural and remote SA.

The strategies in Recognising the past- rewriting the future were the result of a comprehensive consultation process that involved GPs across country SA and a genuine effort on the part of Country Health SA to understand the issues from the GPs perspective.

RDWA have continued to embrace direct and regular discussions with country GPs to ensure our services continue to reflect the needs of the

workforce. Earlier this year our CEO travelled extensively around the state to share a meal with our resident GPs, and their families, and to chat about how things were going. We wanted to know what else we could be doing to support them.

These discussions have resulted in the design of two new programs – GP Local will provide opportunities for local GPs to come together for professional development, networking and socializing; while the Fellowship Strategy Program is designed to support International Medical Graduates to navigate the processes needed to achieve their Australian Fellowship.

This year the Board embarked on a strategic planning process to set the direction for the organisation to 2020. The RDWA has established itself as a valued partner in the provision of health services in South Australia and it is important for rural communities that it continues to be so. We must ensure we are prepared to tackle the challenges and take advantage of any opportunities that arise. Our strategic plan ‘Foundation & Futures’ Strategic Direction 2015 -2020 outlines our key areas of focus. We will strengthen the foundation of our

organisation to ensure its achievements are maintained and will embrace the future and be part of shaping the workforce that delivers health services in rural South Australia.

Taking time to reflect on the achievements of the RDWA over the past ten years has confirmed the value of our role to the workforce and ultimately the communities in country SA.

We have a proud tradition of championing the development of workforce solutions in primary health care in rural South Australia and are poised to continue to be leaders in this work.

Change your view... Rural General Practice in South AustraliaStunning locations - exciting opportunities...

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Great rewards…Attractive remuneration, government incentives and great support from the RDWA.

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Contact...Director Recruitment on 08 8234 8277


RDWA’s Strategic Directions 2015-2020

CHARTERThe Rural Doctors Workforce Agency provides the workforce to enhance the health and

wellbeing of rural communities in South Australia.

The RDWA Board launched its strategic directions for the next five years in November 2014 - Foundation and Futures 2015-2020. A good primary care system leads to a healthier population. While many clinicians are involved in providing primary care, GPs are the cornerstone upon which the system is built. As a major funder of the primary care system the Federal Government has signaled its intention to design and implement a range of reforms. During 2014/15 the scope of this work has become clearer and the RDWA has taken every opportunity offered to contribute to this discussion and to understand the changes as they may impact on the rural workforce.

Access to GPs is a fundamental right of all Australians and local access to medical and health services for rural communities is especially important. Ease of access improves the health and wellbeing of individuals and a stable workforce of resident health professionals contribute to the sustainability of rural communities.

RDWA has been at the center of efforts to ensure rural and remote communities in South Australia have access to the primary care services they need and is a valued and trusted partner in the complex network that provides health services to rural South Australians.

Over the years the Agency has grown from being focused primarily on recruitment and retention of

medical practitioners in rural South Australia to now in 2014/15 providing a broad spectrum of workforce solutions. The core work of supporting, retaining and providing development for health professionals has expanded to include direct involvement in the provision of health services, research and workforce planning, while contributing to the development of local, state and national health policy.

The RDWA’s willingness to engage fully and openly with all organisations involved in ensuring the delivery of health services to country South Australia has positioned the RDWA as the focal point for collaboration and workforce innovation. The RDWA has developed a reputation for delivering creative solutions to ensure the health of rural communities is protected and enhanced.

The changes in demographics, the burden of disease, the health needs of Indigenous Australians and the health status of rural communities demonstrate the need for an increasing and competent health workforce and innovative models of service delivery.

In 2014/15 the RDWA resolved to strengthen its foundation services aimed at ensuring a sustainable, highly skilled health workforce for rural South Australia

and explore opportunities to design and implement innovative primary care service models to meet the needs of the workforce and the community.

A comprehensive strategic planning process has been completed by the Board resulting in the publication of Foundation & Futures Strategic Directions 2015-2020.

The Strategic Plan reaffirms our charter, values and principles, acknowledges the strong foundation we have established and looks to the future by identifying the key areas requiring focus for the next five years.

RDWA Supports Local Communities now and into the future

foundation&futures

Strategic Directions2015-2020

OUR VALUESThe RDWA believes that:

• Sustainable rural communities need sustainable rural health services

• Every person living in rural and remote South Australia has a right to have access to a General Practitioner (GP)

• GPs are the cornerstone of rural health services in South Australia

• It is crucial that the GP workforce is capable, competent and confident

• Excellent primary health service need a workforce of doctors, nurses, midwives, and allied health professional working together

OUR PRINCIPLESRDWA is an organisation that:• Acts with transparency and integrity• Makes decisions in a timely and fair way• Forms partnerships to enrich and

improve rural health services• Responds to the individual needs of its

constituents as well as corporate and community needs

• Fosters innovation in rural health services

OUR FOUNDATIONSRDWA is the only state based organisation in SA that has an exclusive focus on the rural health workforce. For the last two decades the RDWA has successfully delivered rural workforce initiatives

across four dimensions- the entire rural geography, the complete career pathway from university pre-entry to career –end succession planning, across primary and secondary care settings, and across private and public health care domains. The completeness of our approach to our work is our greatest strength and has established a rock solid foundation from which to launch new programs and approaches.

OUR FUTUREBuilding on our foundation in the future we will focus on:

Inspiring the career choice of rural medicineRDWA will continue to introduce rural secondary students to higher education options available in health through its education programs

“These programs will continue to promote careers in health as a positive personal and professional career pathway, achievable in their own and other rural communities”

Recognising the current workforceRDWA will continue to develop innovative programs which address the known retention factors identified by rural GPs, that is career development, access to training and development and assistance for their family.

“RDWA’s flagship GP Locum Program continues to be the primary retention program- this program is based on the belief that if rural GPs are able to take regular planned breaks without disrupting the medical service provision to their community this will reduce the fatigue and burden that would otherwise accrue.”

Recruiting the workforceRDWA has extensive expertise in recruiting GPs, medical practitioners and primary health care professionals.

RDWA will use its strengths in understanding the environment, the candidates and the levers to positively influence workforce distribution. The impressive recruitment service that has been established for primary health care based allied health professionals, nurses and midwives will continue”

Reaching outThe capability to mobilise predominantly metropolitan teams of specialists, allied health and nursing practitioners is now an ingrained part of service delivery into country.

“The RDWA’s credentials in providing outreach services are impeccable. We understand how to support and mobilise this workforce so that country people have high quality health care delivered to their door.”

Strong practices, healthy communitiesStrong practices are central to the fabric of rural health care in South Australia. Communities are more confident in their future when they see their medical practice is strong and can withstand change.

“RDWA believes that investment in practices, as it has done for more than a decade, reaps huge rewards, at the doctor, staff and community level, and for the public hospitals that in the main, draw their workforce from the local GPs.”

Connected with communityWe fulfil our charter through a comprehensive range of services and programs, and community remains at the heart of all we do. This organisation is always prepared to step in to take responsibility for ensuring that health services are made available to the community. This is a strength in a time when many others are dividing and reducing their scope of responsibility.

“We take this role seriously and will use the nature of our organisational capacity to leverage good outcomes.”

Performance, innovation, investment and learningRDWA will continue to undertake research internally and with collaborators to increase knowledge and understanding of workforce issues and models of care. This knowledge will enable us to provide innovative solutions to local issues.

“The ongoing investment in our staff and their capability combined with our courage to try new things will remain vital ingredients of our success. “

The RDWA could not continue to provide these vital services without the ongoing support of the Federal and State Governments which provide significant ongoing funding across a broad range of programs.


I am delighted to report that the RDWA has continued to grow and retain stability during the past 12 months. In addition to the workforce growth as a result of the increased numbers of rural GP registrars 29 newly Fellowed GPs commenced their first year of independent practice in rural South Australia.

A further 20 International medical graduates were recruited to GP positions.

It is important to understand that the growth in GPs from the Australian training pathway will not address the issues of distribution or replacement of workforce in South Australia’s more remote locations. In addition training capacity in rural practices has now been maximised which places pressure on the training organisations to secure enough regional training posts.

Our understanding of these issues underpins our ability to forecast that this situation would occur and to reengineer our programs to address the changes in a timely manner.

The quantity of intern positions in metropolitan hospitals has hit saturation point and there will continue to be pressure applied to the cohort of doctors with general registration as they contest specialist-training posts.

With the demise of the Commonwealth PGPPP program there was a lost opportunity to showcase rural general practice to the interns. The decision taken by Country Health SA in partnership with the RDWA and Adelaide to Outback to repair this break in the training pathway will give new interns a real opportunity to experience rural general practice and be positively influenced by GPs who champion and showcase the rural GP career to those early in their career decision-making. The program will commence in 2016.

Our relationships with the university sector remain strong. The RDWA was again unrelenting in our support of rural students which has resulted in a smoother transition for them to enter South Australia’s medical schools. Consolidating the work of 2014 where the University of Adelaide achieved its rural quota, the 2015 medical intake again achieved its rural quota with 80%

of the cohort comprising rural South Australian applicants. This year the RDWA has seen the first generation of the RDWA medSPACE participants from 2008 take up intern positions.

Our own conference in May was hugely successful in attracting the new generation of GP workforce and their families, providing further evidence of our work to reach in and retain the new rural doctors. 100 GPs attended the “Its an emergency call the Doctor” conference and 43 attended the preconference workshop addressing GPs and their role in the new Advanced Care Directives.

The family program attracted the largest ever number of spouses, partners and children. The evaluation for all conference programs demonstrated a high level of match with its participants needs.

We continue to increase the capacity of practices. It is crucial to enable the GP workforce to be attracted and retained into the smaller practices and communities with a particular emphasis on those GPs in their first year of independent GP practice. The RDWA supports this first year because it is a challenging time when the structures that have previously been in place for registrars are removed and the reality of the first year of practice takes effect.

To further support this cohort the RDWA has established a business essentials program to support the entering generations of the GP workforce. The program was extremely well received and will now become a core part of our activity.

The Locum service remains essential to reduce the burden of on-call for GPs in the smaller towns with public hospitals. In addition the locum services continue to provide GP services to communities and retain viable practices while we recruit long-term doctors. This is evident in the support of Mid Eyre Medical, Streaky Bay and Orroroo, and for Penola during the transition of ownership from Country Health SA Local Health Network (LHN) to private ownership.

The RDWA has continued to ensure that country towns with a hospital have a doctor to support hospital services.

Country Health SA LHN and the RDWA have agreed to a partnership to establish a new virtual locum program. The RDWA has committed significant resources to support the establishment and start-up and will supply the majority of medical workforce to run this new innovative program in 2015 – 16. The program will add a further dimension to our local services by providing a telehealth link to hospitals when a doctor is not present.

This will allow our workforce to take a night off without us having to physically provide an on-site locum. This increase in flexibility will certainly support the retention of our workforce particularly in small locations where the burden of on-call is extensive.

The RESP program continues to be a major contributor to the maintenance of high quality emergency skills for our resident rural GP workforce. 14 programs were conducted during the

year. The RDWA in its partnership with the Royal Flying Doctor Service and learnEM has continued to ensure that rural GPs can access the program to retain credentialing with Country Health SA LHN.

The trauma course, which has for many years been conducted in partnership with the Royal Adelaide Hospital provides intensive trauma training for 16 final year registrar’s.

We were again pleased to sponsor the Aboriginal Health Council’s Medical Practitioner Conference which allows for GPs who work with the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services to have an event tailored to their needs and the specific issues facing indigenous communities.

A total of 16 separate events promoting rural careers were conducted during the year targeting high school and medical students as we continue to try and influence young people to take up a career as a rural GP.

The Australian Government’s Outreach Programs continue to provide significant investment in chronic disease management, women’s health, mental health and children’s health. The visiting service model provides stability of service, continuity of provider and major opportunity for the advancement of rural health. The outreach programs targeting Indigenous health continue to demonstrate that people who would not otherwise access health care receive services because the services come to their communities.

We believe our services and programs are focused on the immediate and long-term issues pertaining to a sustained rural medical workforce. We continue to work at every opportunity to strengthen the fabric of rural health to support communities and to make sure there is a next generation of rural medical practitioners.

Rural Doctors Workforce Agency Inc I Annual Report 2014 - 2015

CEO’S ReportBy Lyn Poole, RDWA CEO

STUDENT FOCUSSED

Want to be a rural GP but don’t know how?

We can help you make it happen

Contact the RDWA 08 8234 8277

Want a rewarding and diverse career?

Become a Rural GP

Contact the RDWA to find out how 08 8234 8277


Growing Our OwnThe RDWA starts its work with year 10 and 11 rural students who participate in our medSPACE Residential Workshop.

Many rural kids will be the first in their families to attend university. The Residential Workshop shows these young people that university is within their reach. The opportunity to see firsthand what universities look like and to meet other rural kids who have gone on to study medicine and become the next generation of rural doctors is inspiring.

Participants of previous programs recognise the passionate drive they had in wanting to be a doctor, and bring that passion to future camp experiences. “One day I’d love to come back as a medical student and help give the same experience to aspiring medical students like myself!” medSPACE Residential Workshop participant 2014.

It doesn’t stop there: through the medSPACE program we also support rural students to study for the UMAT and provide them with support to hone their interview skills prior to being assessed by the University.

Adina LaForgia was one of the students who participated in the medSPACE program over the last few years. Originally from Port Pirie in the state’s mid-north, she attended all three medSPACE workshops and was accepted into The University of Adelaide’s medical school program at the start of 2015.

“I am from a rural area of SA…and until I attended my first workshop in 2010 I did not believe that I would ever be able to fulfil my dream of becoming a doctor working in a rural area. This year I received an offer into the Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery Program at the University of Adelaide, my first preference. Without the help and support of the RDWA I would not have had the courage and belief in my own abilities to try and reach for my goals.” Adina LaForgia

Throughout their studies at University the RDWA continues to offer fantastic experiences for the students who are involved with their university rural clubs. There are more than a dozen opportunities across country every year. As they are faced with the decisions about their chosen specialist career we continue to provide access to our very supportive rural GPs who spend time with groups of young doctors describing what working as a rural GP can be.

The RDWA in partnership with Country Health LHN, Adelaide to Outback and with the support of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital are introducing the Rural Intern Rotation Program. The program will commence in 2016 and will allow 10 interns the opportunity to undertake a 10-week rotation to either Kadina or Jamestown.

The number of Registrars training in rural has never been greater. The generosity of rural practices in taking responsibility for training the next generation has continued to grow with the demand. Our interaction with Registrars is primarily focused toward the end of their training when it’s time to decide how and where these newly Fellowed doctors will practice.

Australian Medical Students Association Convention in Adelaide In July 2014, the Australian Medical Students Association held their annual national Convention in Adelaide.

This is a huge event on the medical student calendar, with more than 1,700 medical students attending.

The RDWA has a long history of working with medical students on their pathway to becoming GPs and Specialists and were proud to become the Premier Partner of the Convention.

This was the perfect setting to launch our new marketing campaign ‘Be Greater than Average – Be a Rural GP’.

The RDWA was pleased to partner with Country Health SA LHN and Adelaide to Outback GP Training Program which gave us the opportunity to promote rural general practice, GP training and positions in rural SA, and to provide some hands on clinical skills training.

TM

Allied health and nursing recruitmentThe RDWA supported recruitment of 18 allied health and nursing professionals under the Rural Health Professionals Program.

The program will continue to grow during the coming years, supporting new recruits who will take up positions in rural SA.

The RDWA advertises and recruits for private and public primary health care providers, and the program provides financial support for relocation and professional development for up to two years.


NOTHING BEATS A CONVERSATION

We understand that the move to country South Australia can be as much of a change for the families and partners as it can be for the GP. The RDWA’s Family Program co-ordinator meets with new doctors and their families from the time of their first visit, and keeps in touch while they make their move.

Every partner and family is different and the conversation is about what would help the partner and family settle in the new community. Sometimes it’s not known what, if any support is required until the family has been in the community for a while. RDWA continues to offer assistance during the first year of settling into the area. Over the past year offers of support have been made to new families all across rural South Australia.

RDWA provides grants to the partners and spouses of resident rural GPs to recognise their own professional and personal development needs. The grants contribute to the cost of study or training expenses for partners to maintain their own professional career or move into a new one. In 2014/15 thirteen spouses across the state received grants to assist with increasing their own professional qualifications, retrain to gain employment in the area or to establish a small business.

Families and spouses have a unique opportunity to meet and share experiences at the family program that is held as part of the RDWA Annual Conference. In May 2015 40 families and spouses attended the program which included a tour and lunch at the beautiful Adelaide Zoo, a High Tea for partners and parents at

the Adelaide Wine Centre while the children attended an art class and created their own painting and a visit to a Hairy MacLary and Friends exhibition.

During 2014/15 23 families were also assisted with the Resident Rural GP Pre-School Childcare Subsidy. This subsidy is available to support resident rural GPs and resident Registrars who are the primary carers of pre-school children to return to the workforce if they need have their children in paid childcare in order to return to work.

RDWA understands that to retain doctors in country South Australia they need to have responsive and local education and networking opportunities and that their partners and spouses also need to settle in and have their role in the community.

· The Nothing Beats a conversation pieces have been derived from the original “its all about retention article” The flow is the first 3 paras from the original retention article as the start of the GP Local Program component followed by the Fellowship Strategy Program component.

Fellowship Strategy ProgramAnother key outcome from our meetings with doctors in early 2015 is the Fellowship Strategy Program. Through these conversations we learned first hand the competing demands that International Medical Graduate (IMG) doctors face working in rural communities and navigating the pathway to

achieving Fellowship.

At the RDWA we believe in the importance of all rural South Australian GPs achieving Fellowship and we are committed to providing the necessary

supports to help them to successfully complete their Fellowship requirements.

That is why we are developing the Fellowship Strategy Program – aimed

specifically to ensure that rural South Australian IMG doctors working on their Fellowship Pathway understand the requirements of working in the Australian health care system, and have the competence and confidence to achieve Fellowship and to support their supervisors and mentors.

By engaging Dr Seshu Boda and Dr Ken Wanguhu to act as consultants and mentors to the program, we are confident that we can provide access and opportunity to support and encourage our rural doctors.

The program will offer a range of supports and events, such as a ‘members only’ Fellowship support page on the RDWA website, to provide easy access to information that the GPs will need as they navigate their Fellowship Pathway.

The program will also involve a series of communication and consultation workshops which will be delivered during 2015/16, and the facilitation of virtual study groups so that IMG doctors can connect with other IMG doctors.

This program will not replace the education that is available from the training organisations or the Colleges, but it will build upon existing information to guide our rural GPs through the Fellowship process and ensure that they are engaged and supported. The program will also be developed with an emphasis on the GPs ownership of their own learning.

A series of regionally based program launches will be held in August 2015.

Supporting Families

GP Local Program set to deliver over 40 local eventsIf you want to know what rural GPs want and need, just ask them!Earlier this year we invited our resident GPs to come and have a dinner and a chat about how things were going. We wanted to know what else we could be doing to support them. Overwhelmingly they all indicated that they missed the opportunity to spend time together. Previously, Divisions of General Practice provided opportunities to either up skill together or just to have a chance to meet with their colleagues and have a conversation. This also allowed for their partners to have the opportunity to mix and mingle. GPs told the RDWA they felt that there were fewer opportunities to come together during the past few years.

Out of those conversations we have introduced two new programs, one of which is GP Local. As the name suggests it is designed for local GPs to come together to attend CPD events that they have asked for and to socialise with their GP neighbours. We have recruited local coordinators to arrange events and liaise with the GPs in their region. We are also very happy to be working with the two remaining organisations from the days of the Divisions of General Practice in the Riverland and the Murray Mallee areas.


Letters to the EDITOR

GP Consultations “Snippets”“Thanks to you and your team for making a special trip to Maitland for the meeting during your busy schedule.

Also thanks to RDWA for the support and looking into all the possibilities to extend your assistance…

I am open to any topic of discussion for the sessions… preference given to the topics such as Women’s Health, Mental Health including suicide prevention and intervention. Lastly any topic with regards to Drug & Alcohol are welcome.

Once again, ... looking forward to a new chapter of practice under the wing of RDWA.”

“Thank you for hosting a valuable and informative night, we appreciate RDWA support in the far reaches of our State…”

“Thanks for the effort. It is a great pleasure in having you in Port Augusta. As you mentioned, the meeting bridged the issue of the isolation of country doctors and opened up avenues for some to know about the RDWA! …

RDWA Trauma Management Program. “…Thank you for the opportunity to attend. The course was incredibly worthwhile and the staff involved in preparation and delivery were fantastic. It was a good opportunity to meet with other rural registrars (something I don’t get to do very much in my placement) Thank you”

Letters can be sent to the Editor, CEO, RDWA 63 Henley Beach Road Mile End, South Australia.

J ust writing to thank you both very much for your assistance early in March in regards to a support letter for my RAMUS* application. I am very pleased to let you know that I have been lucky enough to be awarded

a scholarship for 2015 and would like to thank you again for your assistance and support for this application. It will be a big help in my final year and I really appreciate your part in this. Please pass on my gratitude to Lyn too - I really appreciate all the ongoing support of the RDWA”

*RAMUS -Rural Australian Medical Undergraduate Scholarship.

“Thank you for organising the session for Introduction to the AGPT** National Assessment Process. I have found it very helpful and informative. It was also a pleasure meeting everyone that evening. I am looking forward to attending further events.”

** AGPT –Australian General Practice Training

TR

AIN

EE

DO

CT

OR

S

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

“…I have just graduated from year 12 and have attended numerous RDWA workshops since I was in Year 10. I am from a rural area of SA…and until I attended my first workshop in 2010 I did not believe that I would ever be able to fulfil my dream of becoming a doctor working in a rural area. This year I received an offer into the Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery Program at the University of Adelaide, my first preference. Without the help and support of the RDWA I would not have had the courage and belief in my own abilities to try and reach for my goals. I would like to extend a thank you to everyone at RDWA who has helped me reach this point over the years that I have been part of your fantastic programs. If there is anything I can ever do to help your organisation or inspire students in the coming years I would be more than happy to. Thank you again.”

Adina LaForgia

“I am just sending this email to say thank you so much for everything you…have done since year 10 to help me with my application for medicine.

Between showing me the daunting campuses in year 10, giving me a plethora of information about the courses and helping me most recently in particular with my doubts and concerns in the interview process, you have made all the difference to me and my confidence about applying for medicine. I’m so happy to say that I got into Medicine at Adelaide…which I am so excited about. Hopefully I will be able to see you throughout 2015 in the clinical skills days and other activities! Thanks again”

Millie Williams

“…Thanks for all the support from RDWA which has encouraged me and helped me to perform well in the UMAT and interview. I truly believe that the medSPACE Ready camp had a large impact upon my interest in studying medicine and have recommended medSPACE Set and medSPACE Ready to several students at my school” Olivia Jaeschke

RDWA Mt Gambier Clinical Skills Weekend (Obstetrics)“The Mt Gambier Obstetric Skills weekend was fantastic, and I just wanted to say what a great job you and your team did to put on such a fulfilling, engaging and interesting program. Thank you very much for all your hard efforts.” Ashlee Rigby

Family Program at the Annual Conference“Sorry it has taken a little while to write but I wanted to thank you and all the staff who helped at the recent RDWA family weekend. We had an exceptionally good time.

“…. thanks again for the grant. The conference was very inspiring and I am so glad I went! Such a great thing to be able to be part of the workshops and hearing some incredible keynote speakers.

It not only helped me get a large number if PD hours but also inspired me to try and get back into teaching science! (Some day!)”

Nursing and Allied Health“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your financial support over the past two years. Being a new graduate is a big challenge at the best of times, emotionally and financially, with the added pressure of moving away from home and settling into a new regional community.

Being a health professional in regional/rural areas is never easy and requires professional to be general specialists. With your support, you have made it possible for me to attend several professional development courses including; shoulder impingement and instability; pattern recognition and management; continence and women’s health level 1; evidence based retraining of lower limbs after stroke and brain injury,… Not only was the content of these courses invaluable, but the opportunity to develop contacts when being a primary practitioner is important...

Again I would like to thank you for your support over the past two years.” Physiotherapist


RDWA supports successful transition for Streaky Bay Practice In March 2014, after more than 18 years of service to the community of Streaky Bay, Dr Rob Oswald decided it was time to slow down.

Rob and his wife Gaye (also the Practice Manager), approached the RDWA to talk about how to fill a solo doctor positon in a world where many doctors were not interested in either owning a practice, or being a solo doctor.

In conversations with the RDWA, Rob and Gaye were able to look at a number of options which included maintaining ownership of their practice.

The RDWA embarked on a national targeted advertising campaign in August 2014. The campaign included initial advertising on the RDWA website, followed by targeted print and online

advertising in a variety of medical publications.

Dr Zeli Subantu expressed his interest in the position soon after the campaign began. Dr Subantu was working at the time in North Queensland and, with his wife Patti and two small children, were looking for a new place to settle. He is originally from Swaziland, and had worked in the Royal Darwin Hospital, Flinders Medical Centre and Townsville Hospital before working as one of 3 doctors in a large rural town in North Queensland.

In late August, the RDWA recruitment team took the family to Streaky Bay for a visit. Hosted by Rob and Gaye, the Doctor and his family met with

members of the District Council of Streaky Bay, and visited the Streaky Bay Area School.

Soon after, Dr Sobantu signed a contract with the Streaky Bay Medical Centre and Rob became a practice owner and part-time GP, allowing he and Gaye the chance

to take a long overdue holiday.Dr Sobantu began practice in Streaky Bay at the beginning of December 2014. The RDWA continues to support Dr Sobantu and his family through our retention programs, our locum support, continuing professional development, the family program and Fellowship Support.

Regional Round Up

EYRE PENINSULAOutreach 2014/15 Patient Services

Health Priority Patient Services ATSI Patient Services

Cardiology 591 149

Chronic Disease Management 2,153 1,554

Diabetes 632 255

Ear Health 1,117 1,117

Eye Health 185 129

Maternity & Paediatric Health 596 272

Mental Health 1,072 212

Other 189 5

Renal 87 0

Respiratory 235 230

Grand Total 6,857 3,923

EyrePeninsula

6857Outreach

patient services

8GPs Recruited

146Locum Weeks

EYRE PENINSULASERVICE SUMMARY 2014/15


RURAL GP WANTEDSTREAKY BAY MEDICAL CLINICStreaky Bay Medical Clinic is seeking to recruit one full-time Rural General Practitioner.

The Streaky Bay Medical Clinic provides high quality community-based healthcare and emergency services to the community of Streaky Bay, on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula.Streaky Bay is the business hub and service centre for a district of approximately 2,000 people. Streaky Bay is part of South Australia’s most

POSITION

FILLED

EYRE PENINSULASERVICE SUMMARY 2014/15

GPs EYRE PENINSULA 2006 - 201580

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

02006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

29

19

25

19

29

19

32

18

34

21 21

33

21

33

21 24 25

2

46 7

12 10

21

1

3232

34



Getting Outreach to the APY – it’s no hop, skip and jumpThe Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands covers more than 10% of the SA land mass, and with a population of just over 2,500 spread across 105,000 square kilometres in the north west corner of South Australia, it’s no easy task bringing Outreach services to the Anangu people.Getting visiting services to the APY Lands is certainly no hop, skip and jump. Visiting health professionals take up to a week of their time each visit to make the long trip out to Nganampa Health Council. A commercial flight, charter flight, four-wheel drive and a permit are all essential when making this long but rewarding and much needed journey out to the APY Lands. Visiting health professionals spend the next 4 days travelling between communities to deliver their specialised health services to the Anangu people.

The RDWA works closely with the Nganampa Health Council to provide health services specifically tailored for people living on the APY Lands.

The focus is firmly on closing the gap in access to health services in the extreme remote APY Lands, bringing services to the communities of Iwantja, Mimili, Fregon, Pukatja, Amata, Pipalyatjara and Nyapari.

In response to the high rates of chronic disease in the APY Lands, the RDWA deploys health professionals to provide a range of specialist services in

conjunction with the Nganampa Health Council to strengthen and support the local health services. These specialist services include; psychiatry, podiatry, ophthalmology, paediatrics, ear nose and throat surgeon (ENT), audiology, respiratory physician and chronic disease nursing.

Next year, a cardiology service will be provided to the Lands for the first time, visiting three times per year and covering all communities. This will be a significant enhancement to the array of services now making the trek up to the APY Lands.

The funding provided by the Commonwealth Government, the time and support given by the visiting health professionals, along with the ongoing strong partnership the RDWA has with the Nganampa Health Council, and the coordination required to provide much needed health care is all working together to help improve the quality of life for the Anangu people.

Flinders &Far NorthRegional Round Up

7331Outreach

patient services

2GPs Recruited

51Locum Weeks

FLINDERS AND FAR NORTHOutreach 2014/15 Patient Services


Cardiology 794 385


Diabetes 218 215

Ear Health 1,110 1,110

Eye Health 487 469


Mental Health 909 368

Respiratory 234 170


FLINDERS FAR NORTHSERVICE SUMMARY 2014/15

GPs IN FLINDERS & FAR NORTH 2006 - 201545

40

35

30

25

20

15

10

5

02006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

20

18

17

18

17

17

17

15

20

12

20

11

18

10

21

10

26

9

25

10

11

12

1

1

4



Mid North Yorke Peninsula

New GP for OrrorooNew GP Dr Ihitsham Ul-Haq was welcomed by the Orroroo community in February 2015. Dr Ul-Haq and his family moved from Lightning Ridge NSW to SA’s mid north town of Orroroo. The RDWA had supported Orroroo hospital and medical practice with long terms locums until Dr Ul-Haq could start. Orroroo and Booleroo Medical Practices provide general practice services across two sites and to the nearby towns of Wirrabara and Wilmington. The practices’ GPs also provide medical services to the Orroroo and Booleroo Hospitals and their emergency services as part of a roster.

Booleroo and Orroroo are 282km and 265km north of Adelaide respectively, and 31kms apart. The area is part of the Southern

Flinders Ranges and is largely agricultural, with grain, wool, sheep and lamb production the main industries. The combined districts have a population of up to 4,000 residents.

Dr Ul-Haq, originally from Pakistan, began working in Australia in March 2011and had experience in the hospital system and as a GP.

Following discussions with Country Health SA LHN and a site visit, Dr Ul-Haq accepted the position at Orroroo. Dr Ul-Haq, his wife Saima, and young daughter Ayerah, moved from Lightning Ridge, NSW, to Orroroo, and he began work at the Orroroo Health Centre in February 2015.

Dr Ul-Haq and his family participated in the RDWA’s First 100 Days program of personal and professional support to ensure that the first months of living and working in their new community was a supported transition.


Regional Round Up

5565Outreach

patient services

5GPs Recruited

93Locum Weeks

MID NORTH AND YORKE PENINSULAOutreach 2014/15 Patient Services


Cardiology 819 4

Chronic Disease Management 491 24

Diabetes 744 93

Eye Health 758 1

Geriatric 102 0


Mental Health 999 41

Obstetrics and Gynaecology 207 0

Grand Total 5,565 201

GPs MID NORTH YORKE PENINSULA 2006 - 2015

120

100

80

60

40

20

02006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

24

41

23

43

27

41

24

36

32

32

33

33

34

32

35

37

35

32

38

34

9 1519 21

20 24

7 6

20

9


MID NORTHYORKE PENINSULA

SERVICE SUMMARY 2014/15

The RDWA First 100 Days program offers support for personal and professional

development of our doctors.CONTACT US TODAY 8234 8277


Regional Round Up

Barossa, Hills, Fleurieu, Kangaroo Island

1376Outreach

patient services

19GPs Recruited

42Locum Weeks

BAROSSA VALLEY, ADELAIDE HILLS, FLEURIEU PENINSULA AND

KANGAROO ISLAND

Outreach 2014/15 Patient Services


Cardiology 85 0

Diabetes 213 1

Eye Health 138 0

Mental Health 718 6

Other 222 0

Grand Total 1,376 7

GPs BAROSSA VALLEY, ADELAIDE HILLS, FLEURIEU PENINSULA AND KANGAROO ISLAND 2006 - 2015

250

200

150

100

50

02006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

8

97

10

93

15

101

12

107

19

113

26

122

26

122

26

128

30

135

39

149

25

31 34

34

32 28

40

26 2224


BAROSSA, HILLS, FLEURIEU,

KANGAROO ISLANDSERVICE SUMMARY 2014/15

Country experience keeps newly qualified doctors in rural SAIn recent years, a variety of factors have resulted in a steady increase in the number of GP registrars choosing to stay in rural practice at the end of their training.

While RDWA has always supported rural registrars during their GP training, new services were introduced during 2014/15 for rural registrars transitioning to independent practice. Two of these new services now available to this group of doctors are the Business Essentials Workshop for Rural Registrars and the First 100 Day Visit. The Business Essentials Workshop, delivered in conjunction with Piper Alderman, is a program providing transitioning GPs with an introduction to business structuring, engagement of practitioners, business strategy and taxation matters.

The First 100 Day Visit is similar to a service RDWA has provided for a number of years to newly recruited international doctors. Already aware of the benefits it provides, the opportunity to meet with RDWA staff ‘100 days’ into independent practice was offered for the first time to former registrars.

Both of these services were well received by the doctors and nowhere as much as the Barossa Valley/Adelaide Hills/Fleurieu region.

Fourteen doctors who completed GP training in 2014/15 now call this region home.

Dr Natalie Payne, located at Tanunda, is just one of these doctors. Natalie grew up in the Mallee before moving to Adelaide to study. Her general practice training too her to Tanunda, Mount Gambier and Murray Bridge, before she returned to Tanunda and joined the practice as a full time GP.

Natalie was one of three doctors from the region who took part in the inaugural Business Essentials Workshop held in June and she, along with another 2 doctors from the region, also took up the opportunity for a face-to-face First 100 Day Visit.

When we caught up with Natalie in June during her First 100 Day Visit, she commented that the Business Essentials workshop was timely and provided her with some good information as she considers her engagement with the medical practice. It also had a side benefit of giving her the chance to catch up with peers from around the state – something that can be difficult to do while in GP training.

She offered support to the concept of RDWA meeting with transitioning GPs at the First 100 Day Visit, commenting the visit provided her with an opportunity to discuss any additional support she is looking for and to explore what else the RDWA can do to support newly Fellowed doctors in rural SA.


Riverland Coorong Mallee

Regional Round Up

Growing our own In our ongoing work towards ‘Growing our own’, the RDWA held its annual program targeted towards rural high school students interested in studying medicine.

This year, three events, the medSPACE Residential Workshop, Interview Preparation workshop and UMAT Preparation Workshop were held which attracted high interest from students in this region.

23 students from the Riverland, Coorong and Murray Mallee region attended one or more of the events held in 2014/15.

These students came from various areas in the region, including Renmark, Riverglades, Berri, Murray Bridge, Waikerie, Loxton, Pinnaroo, Cowirra, Karoonda, Meningie, Glossop and Barmera.

It is always a pleasure to welcome back

students who have previously attended the RDWA’s programs. Edward James, originally from Loxton, assisted the RDWA at the 2013 and the 2014 medSPACE Residential Workshops, helping students understand the UMAT process, and at the 2013 Interview Preparation Workshop.

Edward previously attended all three workshops as a rural high school student in 2011 and 2012, and was successful in gaining a position at Adelaide University

to study medicine. He is currently a 3rd year medical student and continues to work with the RDWA in assisting rural high school students.

The value of students who participate in an RDWA program and then return to assist future students after successfully entering university, cannot be underestimated. The RDWA would like to thank all the students who work with us in supporting the future medical workforce in rural SA.

RIVERLAND, COORONG AND MURRAY MALLEE

Outreach 2014/15 Patient Services


Cardiology 65 3


Diabetes 283 270

Ear Health 642 642

Gastroenterology 465 0



Other 60 6

Renal 228 0

Respiratory 93 0



5535Occasions Of Service

10GPs Recruited

26Locum Weeks

RIVERLANDCOORONG MALLEE

SERVICE SUMMARY 2014/15

GPs RIVERLAND, COORONG AND MURRAY MALLEE 2006 - 2015

120

100

80

60

40

20

02006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

15

44

21

41

17

40

20

42

18

42

34

44

34

41

30

43

32

43

34

44

10

12 15

21

6 5

13

8 8

10



Practice Support in the South EastFor almost ten years, the RDWA has partnered with the University of New England Partnerships (UNEP) to deliver exceptional learning opportunities and support for rural practice management staff. Through this partnership, the RDWA have provided access to sponsored professional development workshops and qualification opportunities, making it possible for practice managers to broaden and develop new business management skillsets and network with other professional peers normally situated hundreds of kilometres away.

By 30 June 2015, rural practices across South Australia had accessed 116 sponsored places in the program, with 86 qualifications at Certificate IV or Diploma level awarded to participants who had successfully completed a course in professional practice management.

During 2015 RDWA Practice Manager Program participants from the South East were busy building and honing their practice management skills through professional development opportunities sponsored by the RDWA. Practice management staff from seven practices came together with other SA rural practice managers to attend six, two-day workshops at the RDWA to learn about Leadership, People Management, Risk and Compliance, Customer Service, Finance and Operations and Business Planning.

‘The RDWA believes that investment in practices, as it has done for more than ten years, reaps huge rewards... Good business practices support positive cash flow, and those with skills to govern and manage will continue to do well’

South EastRegional Round Up

SOUTH EASTOutreach 2014/15 Patient Services


Cardiology 180 0

Chronic Disease Management 241 2

Dermatology 555 11

Diabetes 28 23

Gastroenterology 318 1

Geriatrics 362 0



Other 247 6

Respiratory 187 21

Grand Total 2,074 55

RDWA Practice Managers Program participants dominate National academic award In November 2014, the RDWA were proud to announce the winners of the University of New England Partnerships (UNEP) Barbara Meredith Award. RDWA Practice Managers Program participants Kerry Fielke and Rosslyn Wilson were joint winners of the award

presented annually to the outstanding graduate who has demonstrated dedication to their studies and application of the new skills to their practice management environment. Of over 200 UNEP Certificate IV graduates Australia wide, ten were selected by a UNEP panel to submit an application

for the award. Four of these nominations were rural SA practice staff supported through the RDWA Practice Managers Program.

‘…I can not begin to tell you how grateful I am, You have given me personally so much by supporting me through this (course) but you have also given a lot to our practice…

By helping us do what we do and do it well, you help hundreds of patients and their families and carers. That is amazing’ Kerry Fielke, (Outreach Specialist Practice Manager, RDWA Practice Managers Program Graduate and Barbara Meredith Award Winner).

2074Occasions Of Service

5GPs Recruited

51Locum Weeks

SOUTH EASTSERVICE SUMMARY 2014/15

GPs SOUTH EAST 2006 - 201580

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

02006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

23

35

25

31

23

30

28

25

26

24

32

30

28

28

29

31

31

27

36

23

5 7

9 1311 14

16

442


16 Rural Doctors Workforce Agency Inc I Annual Report 2014 - 201516 Rural Doctors Workforce Agency Inc I Annual Report 2014 - 2015

FINANCE

EXTRACT STATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

For the Year Ended 30 June 2015

2015 $ 2014 $

Income 16,576,266 15,408,811

Other income 160,904 160,628

Administrative expenses (4,645,239) (4,390,338)

Board and committee expenses (146,949) (103,436)

Locum program (4,110,941) (4,745,043)

Retention (971,401) (548,818)

Workforce (1,347,752) (801,452)

Business services (138,580) (123,982)

Partnership (236,348) (359,763)

Outreach services (4,224,384) (3,512,035)

Allied Health & Nursing (412,972) (463,024)

Other expenses (78,377) -

Depreciation expense (151,215) (35,789)

Surplus for the year 273,012 485,759

Other comprehensive income - -

Total comprehensive income for the year 273,012 485,759

Statement by the Board of Management

In the opinion of the board, the extract financial report of Rural Doctors Workforce Agency Incorporated for the year ended 30 June 2015, as set out on the previous pages, has been derived from and is consistent with the full financial report of the Rural Doctors Workforce Agency Incorporated.This statement is made in accordance with a resolution of the board and is signed for and on behalf of the board by:

Board member ____________________________________

Board member ___________________________________

Dated this ____________day of ________________ 2015

TREASURER’S REPORTI have pleasure in presenting the audited financial statements for the Rural Doctors Workforce Agency for the year 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2015.

The Extract Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income that has been reported in this Annual Report includes funds from all sources (as required by the Associations Incorporations Act 1985). The full Financial Statement is available on the RDWA website.

The RDWA’s major funders are the Department of Health (DoH) and Country Health SA (CHSA). The 2014-15 financial year was the second of three-year contracts with DoH and CHSA.

RDWA receipts for the year totalled $16,737,170 and total expenses were $16,464,158 with retained earnings of $273,012.

Total assets (after depreciation) as at 30 June 2015 were $6,368,243, with total liabilities of $3,317,721 and retained earning total of $3,039,150 that comprises previous years’ accumulated funds.

RDWA uses a full accrual accounting system that reconciles income earned and expenditure incurred within the reporting period which presents an accurate reflection of the RDWA’s financial position. This includes the provision for accrued annual and long service leave as well as debtors and creditors.

The Chief Executive Officer, Ms Lyn Poole, the General Manager, Ms Mandy McCulloch and the Director Corporate Services, Mr Keith Crammond, were responsible for the financial affairs of the RDWA for the year ending 30 June 2015. They provided financial statements to the Audit Committee and the Board to assist us in monitoring RDWA’s finances.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Audit Sub Committee’s Dr Alison Edwards, Dr David Rosenthal, Ms Anita King, Ms Lyn Poole, Ms Mandy McCulloch and Mr Keith Crammond.

I am pleased to report that the RDWA remains in a sound financial position.

Bill HamillTreasurer, RDWA

Bill HamillTreasurer, RDWA Board

Dr Richard MackinnonChair

18th September


INDEPENDENT AUDIT REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF RURAL DOCTORS WORKFORCE AGENCY INCORPORATEDBoard’s Responsibility for the Financial Report

The board of Rural Doctors Workforce Agency Incorporated is responsible for the preparation

of the extract financial report derived from the full financial report which was prepared in

accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and the reporting requirements of the

Associations Incorporation Act 1985 and Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission

Act 2012. This responsibility includes:

• establishing and maintaining internal control relevant to the preparation of the

extract financial report;

• selecting and applying appropriate accounting policies; and

• making accounting estimates that are reasonable in the circumstances.

Auditor’s Responsibility

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the extract financial report based on our audit procedures. We conducted an independent audit, in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards, of the financial report of Rural Doctors Workforce Agency Incorporated for the year ended 30 June 2015. Our report for the year was signed on 18th September 2015 and was not subject to any modification. The Australian Auditing Standards require that we comply with relevant ethical requirements relating to audit engagements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial report is free from material misstatement.

Our procedures in respect to the extract financial report included testing that the information in the extract financial report is derived from, and is consistent with, the full financial report for the year. These procedures have been undertaken to form an opinion whether, in all material respects, the extract financial report is consistent with the full financial report.

Opinion

In our opinion, the extract financial report of Rural Doctors Workforce Agency Incorporated for the year ended 30 June 2015 is consistent with the full financial report from which it is derived upon, for which we expressed an unqualified opinion.

Hayes Knight (SA) Audit & Assurance Pty Ltd

Graeme Rodda Director, Adelaide

Dated this 18th day of September 2015

EXTRACT STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS


2015 $ 2014 $

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

Receipts from customers 1,592,003 1,645,722

Payments to suppliers and employees (16,127,787) (15,023,135)

Interest received 125,001 160,210

Receipt from grants 14,160,347 13,645,577

Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities (250,436) 428,374

EXTRACT STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS


2015 $ 2014 $

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

Purchase of property, plant and equipment - (355,972)

Loan monies advanced - (20,000)

Loan monies received 9,750 5,200

Net cash provided/(used) by investing activities 9,750 (370,772)

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents held (240,686) 57,602

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 5,771,603 5,714,001

Cash and cash equivalents at end of financial year 5,530,917 5,771,603

EXTRACT STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION


2015 $ 2014 $

ASSETS

CURRENT ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents 5,530,917 5,771,602

Trade and other receivables 512,043 212,742

Current tax receivable - 95,492

Other assets 108,620 589,483

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 6,151,580 6,669,319

NON-CURRENT ASSETS

Trade and other receivables 6,750 13,500

Property, plant and equipment 209,913 361,128

TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS 216,663 374,628

TOTAL ASSETS 6,368,243 7,043,947



2015 $ 2014 $

LIABILITIES

CURRENT LIABILITIES

Trade and other payables 1,216,217 1,602,908

Current tax liabilities 76,953 -

Employee benefits 797,946 873,966

Other financial liabilities 1,226,605 1,784,114

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 3,317,721 4,260,988

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

Employee benefits 11,372 16,821

TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES 11,372 16,821

TOTAL LIABILITIES 3,329,093 4,277,809

NET ASSETS 3,039,150 2,766,138

EQUITY

Accumulated surplus 3,039,150 2,766,138

TOTAL EQUITY 3,039,150 2,766,138


As at 30 June 2015


OnCAMERA

1 March 2015 Rural GP Carer evening2 May 2015 Quorn Clinical skills weekend3 August 2014 Locum in Service Week 4 August 2014 Locum in Service Week5 July 2014 MedSPACE residential workshop6 September 2014 Mannum Clinical skills day7 Practice Manager Program Diploma Class 20158 July 2014 AMSA Conference9 July 2014 AMSA conference10 May 2015 RDWA conference - student stream11 July 2014 MedSPACE residential workshop 12 Aug 2014 Locum in service week13, 14, 15, 16 July 2014 AMSA conference

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StaffRDWA

RDWA Staff members in 2014/15Jill AguisSharon AyresToni BeckettAmanda BennettJulie BoltonAndrea BrownAndrew BurnsJanetta CaireShirley CapitanoMeredith CarlierLauren ChannonAngela ChristieDr Melanie ClothierDr Gerry ConsidineKeith CrammondSarah CruseDebbie DohntKate FosterJessica FryEdward FullerEleisha GoldingSandy HammatDr Gail Hitch

Katharine HockleyLouise HolleyLaura HornJeff KelleyJo-Anne KriegAdine Leon GonzalezDr Jose Leon GonzalezJoanne LongmireJane LongmireFran LovellMichelle ManuelNicola MasonMandy McCullochVanessa MedderHazel NicksHelen O’MalleyLyn PooleDr Iolanda PrincipeAlyssa SandfordRick SchneiderGretchen ScintaDr Sudantha SilvaDr Karen Sumner

Ben TrappelAngela TridenteMaraya VerdonkDebbie WalshRichard WilmotBarbara WrightKatrina Zadow

LocumsDr Michael BeckoffDr John BigginsDr Neville CarlierDr Mark ChiaDr Greg CrafterDr Michelle CrespDr Judith DegnerDr John FeisstDr Noni FergusonDr John GrayDr Richard JollyDr Willem JoubertDr Jonas KasauskasDr George Kokar

Dr Cath LoveDr Evan MarkwickDr Stewart MartinDr Laurie McArthurDr Judith McDonaldDr Andrew MillerDr Elizabeth MullerDr Russell RichardsonDr Jonathan SeigelDr Roger SextonDr Russell ShuteDr Godfrey SibandaDr John SmithDr Barry TrewrenDr Oswell VikiDr Richard WattsDr Richard WeateDr Ken WellsDr Graham WildmanDr Jenny Wilson

Live the dream…Beaches, mountain ranges, desert, rich green countryside. Rural South Australia has everything to offer.

Practising medicine in rural South Australia is rewarding, professionally and personally. You will be well remunerated and able to choose a lifestyle that works for you and your family.

We are looking for experienced general practitioners, able to provide clinical leadership in a range of environments. We have positions in our rural practices and the RDWA locum program.

The RDWA will support and assist you and your family in relocating and settling in. For more details or email [email protected] or call 08 8234 8277

Become a rural doctor in South Australia and live the dream.


SportsIn the 2014-15 Locum year key draft picks included United States doctor Kenneth Wells and New South Wales import Russell Richardson. Dr Wells has come on board as a full-time locum and provides a significant lift to the workforce. He brings years of military experience with exemplary skills in emergency medicine. Dr Wells has provided emergency support across periods of critical need and is well respected in rural communities.

Dr Richardson arrived in South Australia in January 2015 and hit the ground running. As a long-term rural GP in NSW he is fully aware of the challenges faced by our resident GP workforce. A valuable addition to the part-time workforce Dr Richardson is a value added member as a GP obstetrician.

Dr John Feisst returned to practice in South Australia twice in the financial year as an honorary part-time locum filling several rural workforce vacancies as an integral member of the locum team.

In addition to this, the casual team has picked up some star recruits in long term rural GP Dr George Kokar formally of Yorketown, an anaesthetist and obstetrician; Australian trained Dr Mark Chia, who undertook his training in Quorn and Crystal Brook. Dr Cathy Love has joined the team as a casual obstetrics locum, interested mostly in weekend placements while Dr Russell Shute is a metropolitan GP and medical trainer who is making a name for himself as a highly requested locum.

RISING STAR

Want a rewarding and diverse career? Become a Rural GP

Contact the RDWA to find out how

08 8234 8277

RDWA STAFF

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RDWA Annual Report 2014-2015

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