On 14th March 2009, a Health Workforce Round Table was held in Swan Hill.
The major focus of the day was to put the Swan Hill Communities’ health needs
in the middle of our planning process and develop long term health workforce solutions
around the regions requirements. This ensures that in all professional roles, the
achievement will be the same – a coordinated approach to better health for
the Swan Hill region.
The workshop was initiated by local stakeholders in Swan Hill concerned at the challenges
of recruiting and supporting the health workforce to meet the community’s
needs.
The workshop was hosted by the Rural Workforce Agency Victoria, as part of its Sustainable
Practices Project, using funding from Regional Development Victoria (RDV). The support
of RDV is gratefully acknowledged.
35 participants attended from a range of key local organisations.
The workshop format involved a series of presentations on local workforce issues,
innovative approaches used elsewhere including the development of new job roles
such as Medical Assistants and Health Care Assistants, and the final session of
the day workshopped local solutions and an action plan.
Key outcomes from the day are outlined below and the presentations from the day
have also been made available below.
Key outcomes and future strategies
Future Purpose:
"Creating positive, flexible, well supported pathways for future Health roles
in and around Swan Hill"
- Continue Round Table process with appropriate key stakeholders to discuss identified
projects
- Create an agreement/plan as to how key people/groups can work together for a positive
and sustainable induction of new staff and family members, from all professions
into our community
- Market Swan Hill as a " Clinical Placement Hub" through provision of appropriate,
available and attractive accommodation for students
- Strategies for supporting existing staff to take students to ensure provision of
quality clinical placements
What next?
The group agreed to progress the Infrastructure Grant application as a priority
project with the next funding round due to close on 17th April 2009.
The participants have agreed to continue the round table discussions with appropriate
key stakeholders to further discuss identified projects. The next meeting is scheduled
for June 2009 and will include participants from the police and ambulance service
as well as general practitioners and regional training organisations
Presentations
Proudly sponsored by RDV.