Tasmanian Health Service paying double to employ locums instead of rural generalists in hospitals

Tasmania is spending double the amount on locums to fill roles within hospitals compared to the cost of using rural generalists – despite a commitment to reform change from the government.

Tasmania is spending double the amount on locums to fill critical roles within hospitals compared to the cost of using rural generalists. Picture: istock

Tasmania is spending double the amount on locums to fill critical roles within hospitals compared to the cost of using rural generalists – despite a commitment from the Rockliff government to amend the rule blocking them from these positions.

Modelling from the Rural Doctors’ Association Tasmania shows it costs $1,127,500 to employ a locum specialist per year compared to $500,600 for a permanent specialist.

The cost is increased by a relative 50 per cent when comparing locum registrars to permanent registrars. The figures have prompted the RDAT to issue a call for reform ahead of the state election, with president Ben Dodds saying the use of locums was having a “significant impact” on the Tasmanian health service budget.

Dr Dodds said the funds needed to be invested in a rural generalist doctor model to create a “sustainable workforce”.

“There are hidden costs of locums,” he said.

“A revolving door of temporary doctors means lost time for orientation, clinical governance and performance management, and issues around continuity of care for patients within the hospital.

“RG doctors are GPs with additional skills and qualifications in areas such as emergency and anaesthetics.

“Utilising an RG model not only would achieve significant savings but also improve patient outcomes.”

The RDAT call comes after Sally Street, Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine regional director of training, in August 2024 sounded the alarm about rural GPs having to fly interstate for shifts.

Craig Herbert editor The Mercury and Jeremy Rockliff premier. The Mercury Bush Summit in Launceston. Picture: Rob Burnett

In response, Premier Jeremy Rockliff demanded the Department of Health change the rule to allow ­“qualified rural generalists to provide services in our major hospitals”.

Dr Street said it was time Tasmania caught up with other states – including Queensland, where rural generalists have been allowed to work in hospitals for the past 20 years.

“The (rural generalist model) has been shown to be safe and effective,” she said.

“It has shown enormous value in Queensland and other states, and if it’s safe and sound and ready to go then I see no reason why it shouldn’t start today here in Tasmania.”

On the RDAT’s statement, Dr Street said: “I’m pleased to see others making some noise, but there hasn’t been any progress from the government since May.”

Doctor Sally Street regional director of training Tas ACRRM. The Mercury Bush Summit in Launceston. Picture: Rob Burnett

Health Minister Jacquie Petrusma said the government had delivered on its commitment to open opportunities for rural generalists to work in Tasmanian hospitals, with “several positions” advertised in recent months.

“Further work is also under way in the state’s North-West to assist these doctors to work more in our hospitals,” she said.

“Recruiting more rural generalists is part of our healthcare recruitment blitz.”

ACRRM president Dr Rod Martin said while he welcomed the changes, they must be “embedded in health policy and backed with sustained investment”.

“We’re pleased the government has listened to the sector,” Dr Martin said. “But to make a lasting difference, this workforce model needs more than words. It’s funding, support, and … implementation across the system.”

Originally published as Tasmanian Health Service paying double to employ locums instead of rural generalists in hospitals