While our register of GPs has been able to provide immediate support to bushfire-affected communities, we anticipate that demand for locum services will continue to rise over the coming weeks and months as heavy workloads take their toll on local GPs and the mental health impacts on residents become more apparent.

On behalf of all Victorians, I would like to acknowledge and thank all doctors who have signed up to the program and continue to accommodate the high demand for their services in already busy work schedules.

All Victorian Divisions and other key stakeholders have received a copy of the protocols for the recruitment and placement of locums.  We are offering assistance to practices, relief centres and hospitals and the backfilling of positions as required.

Any community interested in accessing the program should contact RWAV directly on tel: 03 9349 7800, by email: locum@rwav.com.au or via our website www.rwav.com.au.

The discussions will centre upon the strong synergies and partnership that already exist, and consider ways that a merger could:

• Protect communities of high health needs
• Increase accountabilities for service delivery
• Withstand increased performance scrutiny
• Build strengths in expertise and knowledge
• Improve efficiencies
• Enhance the resilience and relevance of general practice in Victoria
• Improve appropriate advocacy for general practice in Victoria

It was very real to Katrina because the Canadian trained, rural emergency general practitioner had visited the areas shortly before the fires and was relocating to Victoria soon.

With her Fellowship and own indemnity but unregistered in Victoria, Katrina’s determination and a little help from RWAV she obtained her provider number in four days and drove to Flowerdale. Altough she was prepared to camp in her car, Katrina was able to bunk in with other medicos and stayed in Flowerdale for a week.

Katrina was not alone in her desire to help. A surviving business in the region Strath Valley View Bed & Breakfast had closed its doors to business but opened the cottage to medics without expectation of payment.

Deb Bourne, a nurse practitioner from Seymour worked along side Katrina and made sure she had everything that was needed to treat the community.

"Everyone in the community was fabulous, it was a privilege to help the residents of the Flowerdale and surrounding areas. The medical professionals put their disciplines aside and we focussed on what the community needed," Katrina said.

If you know a doctor who has contributed 35 years or more service to rural communities, or has made an outstanding contribution to rural communities, or is new to rural health and has demonstrates strong community engagement then now is the time to make a nomination.

Don’t miss the opportunity to say "thanks doctor". Go to www.rwavconference.com.au.

Don’t miss your opportunity to learn about the ingredients for successful team building in health by participating in the Teamwork for Better Health conference on May 8 in Melbourne.

Early bird registration closes April 10, to find out more visit http://www.rwavconference.com.au/

North West region community members, businesses, health services and local government are initiating health changes from a grass roots level.

Recently, community groups throughout the North West region and RWAV joined forces to ensure access to health services are maintained at a minimum, and increased where possible.

The Forum resulted in an agreement that Mayors and hospital CEOs in the region will meet to discuss local infrastructure and service models, driving the change from a local level based on local needs.

North West Municipalities Association executive and participant Daryl Argall addresses the region’s critical time.

"The North West Region has been in a drought for 11 years and unfortunately the dryness all too often results in population loss," said Mr Argall.

"As population declines, the level of economic activity declines as a consequence of this loss of population, which in turn leads to services being reduced and businesses closed.

That is why it is pertinent to work with organisations that will support, sustain and strengthen our community."

Jill Gallagher CEO of Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) was inducted onto the Victorian Honour Role of Women last week.

Jill, a Gunditjmara woman from western Victoria has worked within, led and advocated for the Victorian Aboriginal community all her life.

RWAV congratulates Jill on her achievement and exemplary leadership. She is an inspiration to all.

The Honour Roll recognises and celebrates the achievements of women from all walks of life for using their skills, knowledge, commitment and compassion to improve their communities.

GP Training Careers Evening, Melbourne, Wednesday, 8 April 2009

A Careers Evening on General Practice and the AGPT program will be held on Wednesday, 8 April 2009, at Rydges on Swanston Hotel, 701 Swanston Street, Carlton, 7.00 pm to 9.30 pm. 

The program includes presentations and discussion time with current GP Registrars  The five regional training providers of GP training in Victoria (4 rural and 1 metropolitan) and the Rural Workforce Agency, Victoria, will be available for discussion and questions. 

Representatives from RACGP and ACRRM will also be attending. If you are interested in a career in general practice or undecided about your career path, this evening will assist in your decision making. Bookings are essential.  Register online:  www.rwav.com.au/vicnet   Enquiries: Pauline Ingham paulinei@rwav.com.au

Learn how to sustain your practice, plan for the future and maximise your financial returns.

For more information contact biancas@bddgp.org.au