Clermont set to bring on three new doctors with government support
The community has been crying out for permanent doctors for years, but is now set to have three new GPs in six months thanks to a cash splash from the government.
Central Queensland
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Clermont has welcomed a new doctor to the community, with a second on the way, and a new $500k package to attract a third to the regional town this year.
Dr Uzo joined Dr Sarah McLay at Clermont Country Practice in August, after struggling to retain permanent doctors for years.
“He is an absolute blessing,” Dr McLay said.
“[He] chose us despite knowing the challenges and changes we are facing. What a hero.”
This comes just months after Mackay Hospital and Health Service (MHHS) implemented the new medical model allowing GPs to work between the hospital and the town’s only private practice.
MHHS chief executive Lisa Davies Jones says it’s a huge win for the community,
“I am delighted that Mackay Hospital and Health Service has recruited a permanent doctor for Clermont,” she said.
“Dr Uzo is a welcome addition and is working across the multipurpose health service as well as in general practice.
“We are continuing to recruit to another doctor vacancy and are optimistic we will find the right person for this role soon.”
Ms Davies Jones said MHHS would continue to employ a locum while recruitment to the second vacancy was carried out.
“It’s wonderful to see the new medical model coming to life and that we will achieve the aim of creating a sustainable health service for people who need to see a GP and who need hospital level of care,” she said.
“By having two permanent doctors to share the workload with Dr Sarah in private practice we believe the workload will be sustainable.”
On top of that, the community has also been selected for a targeted recruitment program, managed by the Remote Vocational Training Scheme (RVTS), allowing a fully qualified GP to train in the town.
It’s worth almost $456,00 over three years, funded by the federal government, and comes on top of wages.
The position in Clermont is one of 14 available under the 2022 targeted recruitment scheme, with the others located in various rural communities across Australia.
Applications for the 2022 intake close on September 12.
“It’s a one-of-a-kind, very unique opportunity, and I joke that whichever registrar gets chosen has won the lotto in a way,” Dr McLay told the ABC.
“The money gives them the capacity to move as a family and potentially forego a partner‘s earnings temporarily until they can find a suitable job … that’s the stuff that really stops people coming to the bush.”
Clermont4Doctors project co-ordinator Janelle Otto said having a second doctor in the community had already created more appointments for Clermont patients and started to reduce wait times.
“The [targeted recruitment] has really helped in attracting doctors and getting an awareness out there that small country towns are struggling to get doctors,” Ms Otto said.
“It’s a shame this big lump sum needs to be used but it’s great to create that awareness.”
She said there was so much interest in the new positions from Queensland and interstate, with doctors travelling to the town to take a look since August.
Mrs Otto said GPs outside the targeted recruitment position were also taking an interest in the area.
“We have had so many different businesses and community members volunteer their time to take the visiting doctors to schools, sporting groups, town tours, to dinner,” she said.
“The amount of businesses and members who are committed to the success of the program is such a credit to the community.
“It’s just about everyone working together and that’s really what’s happening.”
Clermont has also had Dr Karyn Matterson on board as a telehealth doctor, with a week of face-to-face appointments in Clermont from August 30, with another in-town week booked for October.
Ms Otto said there were more positive changes to the new health model in the pipeline, to be announced in September.
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