❓ A parliamentary question addresses a perceived medical workforce crisis in Narrogin, with the Minister responding that the state contracts medical services from private practices and outlines steps to support recruitment, while asserting GP coverage is a Commonwealth issue.
AnsweredQoN 585Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
NARROGIN MEDICAL SERVICES
I refer to the provision of medical services in Narrogin. (1) Is the minister aware of the medical workforce crisis in Narrogin that is putting service delivery in the town and surrounding districts at risk? (2) How many doctors, nurses and other medical service staff have left Narrogin Regional Hospital in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 to date? (3) What specific actions has the minister taken to resolve the Narrogin medical worker shortage in the past three years? (4) What specific and immediate action is the minister planning to take to resolve Narrogin’s medical worker shortage? (5) Has the minister considered using a system of locum services to relieve the current situation? (6) If no to (5), why not? Hon SUE ELLERY
I refer to the provision of medical services in Narrogin. (1) Is the minister aware of the medical workforce crisis in Narrogin that is putting service delivery in the town and surrounding districts at risk? (2) How many doctors, nurses and other medical service staff have left Narrogin Regional Hospital in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 to date? (3) What specific actions has the minister taken to resolve the Narrogin medical worker shortage in the past three years? (4) What specific and immediate action is the minister planning to take to resolve Narrogin’s medical worker shortage? (5) Has the minister considered using a system of locum services to relieve the current situation? (6) If no to (5), why not? Hon SUE ELLERY
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. (1) No. (2)-(3) The WA Country Health Service Wheatbelt does not employ medical staff at Narrogin Regional Hospital. Instead, the WA Country Health Service Wheatbelt contracts medical services from the private general practices in the town through a medical services agreement. The two private general practices in Narrogin have been unsuccessful in replacing the four permanent doctors who left the town in 2006. In 2006 nine private practice general practitioners had admitting rights to the hospital. That number is now five despite the efforts of the private general practices in town to recruit more permanent doctors. The five doctors in town all participate in an on-call arrangement and are providing adequate cover at this stage. Should the general practices employ more doctors, those doctors will be given admitting rights if they meet our credentialling requirements. The WA Country Health Service has been advised by the private practices that three overseas-trained doctors are due to arrive on a permanent basis in July, August and November. In addition, until these permanent replacements arrive, WA Country Health Service understands that one practice will employ a locum who will also participate in the on-call roster. The WA Country Health Service is working very closely with the private general practices to support and assist in the recruitment of new doctors to keep the practices viable and to ensure Narrogin Regional Hospital provides a full range of services at all times. Nurses are replaced as positions become vacant and agency staff may be used if there is a delay in filling permanent positions. The total number of nurses employed and the number of nurses who left Narrogin hospital in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 are shown in the table below that I seek leave to table and have incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. [See paper 4065.] The following material was incorporated — Nursing Services 2005 2006 2007 2008 Number of Nurses Employed at Narrogin Hospital 73 71 71 74 Number of Nurses Left Narrogin Hospital 11 17 13 5 (4) The WA Country Health Service is looking at a number of options to assist the town in recruiting additional doctors to the private general practices. These options include sourcing funding from commonwealth government programs set up to assist general practices with placement and relocation costs; seeking assistance from Rural Health West; seeking assistance from the Australian Medical Association; seeking assistance from the GP Network; and providing assistance to the Earl Street Clinic with paperwork to enable it to take over the sponsorship of the overseas-trained doctors. (5) No. (6) The provision of locum services for private general practices has not been considered as it is not a state government responsibility. GP coverage is a commonwealth issue and the Department of Health is working closely with the commonwealth to resolve the problem.
(1) Is the minister aware of the medical workforce crisis in Narrogin that is putting service delivery in the town and surrounding districts at risk? (2) How many doctors, nurses and other medical service staff have left Narrogin Regional Hospital in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 to date? (3) What specific actions has the minister taken to resolve the Narrogin medical worker shortage in the past three years? (4) What specific and immediate action is the minister planning to take to resolve Narrogin’s medical worker shortage? (5) Has the minister considered using a system of locum services to relieve the current situation? (6) If no to (5), why not? Hon SUE ELLERY replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. (1) No. (2)-(3) The WA Country Health Service Wheatbelt does not employ medical staff at Narrogin Regional Hospital. Instead, the WA Country Health Service Wheatbelt contracts medical services from the private general practices in the town through a medical services agreement. The two private general practices in Narrogin have been unsuccessful in replacing the four permanent doctors who left the town in 2006. In 2006 nine private practice general practitioners had admitting rights to the hospital. That number is now five despite the efforts of the private general practices in town to recruit more permanent doctors. The five doctors in town all participate in an on-call arrangement and are providing adequate cover at this stage. Should the general practices employ more doctors, those doctors will be given admitting rights if they meet our credentialling requirements. The WA Country Health Service has been advised by the private practices that three overseas-trained doctors are due to arrive on a permanent basis in July, August and November. In addition, until these permanent replacements arrive, WA Country Health Service understands that one practice will employ a locum who will also participate in the on-call roster. The WA Country Health Service is working very closely with the private general practices to support and assist in the recruitment of new doctors to keep the practices viable and to ensure Narrogin Regional Hospital provides a full range of services at all times. Nurses are replaced as positions become vacant and agency staff may be used if there is a delay in filling permanent positions. The total number of nurses employed and the number of nurses who left Narrogin hospital in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 are shown in the table below that I seek leave to table and have incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. [See paper 4065.] The following material was incorporated — Nursing Services 2005 2006 2007 2008 Number of Nurses Employed at Narrogin Hospital 73 71 71 74 Number of Nurses Left Narrogin Hospital 11 17 13 5 (4) The WA Country Health Service is looking at a number of options to assist the town in recruiting additional doctors to the private general practices. These options include sourcing funding from commonwealth government programs set up to assist general practices with placement and relocation costs; seeking assistance from Rural Health West; seeking assistance from the Australian Medical Association; seeking assistance from the GP Network; and providing assistance to the Earl Street Clinic with paperwork to enable it to take over the sponsorship of the overseas-trained doctors. (5) No. (6) The provision of locum services for private general practices has not been considered as it is not a state government responsibility. GP coverage is a commonwealth issue and the Department of Health is working closely with the commonwealth to resolve the problem.
(2) How many doctors, nurses and other medical service staff have left Narrogin Regional Hospital in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 to date? (3) What specific actions has the minister taken to resolve the Narrogin medical worker shortage in the past three years? (4) What specific and immediate action is the minister planning to take to resolve Narrogin’s medical worker shortage? (5) Has the minister considered using a system of locum services to relieve the current situation? (6) If no to (5), why not? Hon SUE ELLERY replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. (1) No. (2)-(3) The WA Country Health Service Wheatbelt does not employ medical staff at Narrogin Regional Hospital. Instead, the WA Country Health Service Wheatbelt contracts medical services from the private general practices in the town through a medical services agreement. The two private general practices in Narrogin have been unsuccessful in replacing the four permanent doctors who left the town in 2006. In 2006 nine private practice general practitioners had admitting rights to the hospital. That number is now five despite the efforts of the private general practices in town to recruit more permanent doctors. The five doctors in town all participate in an on-call arrangement and are providing adequate cover at this stage. Should the general practices employ more doctors, those doctors will be given admitting rights if they meet our credentialling requirements. The WA Country Health Service has been advised by the private practices that three overseas-trained doctors are due to arrive on a permanent basis in July, August and November. In addition, until these permanent replacements arrive, WA Country Health Service understands that one practice will employ a locum who will also participate in the on-call roster. The WA Country Health Service is working very closely with the private general practices to support and assist in the recruitment of new doctors to keep the practices viable and to ensure Narrogin Regional Hospital provides a full range of services at all times. Nurses are replaced as positions become vacant and agency staff may be used if there is a delay in filling permanent positions. The total number of nurses employed and the number of nurses who left Narrogin hospital in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 are shown in the table below that I seek leave to table and have incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. [See paper 4065.] The following material was incorporated — Nursing Services 2005 2006 2007 2008 Number of Nurses Employed at Narrogin Hospital 73 71 71 74 Number of Nurses Left Narrogin Hospital 11 17 13 5 (4) The WA Country Health Service is looking at a number of options to assist the town in recruiting additional doctors to the private general practices. These options include sourcing funding from commonwealth government programs set up to assist general practices with placement and relocation costs; seeking assistance from Rural Health West; seeking assistance from the Australian Medical Association; seeking assistance from the GP Network; and providing assistance to the Earl Street Clinic with paperwork to enable it to take over the sponsorship of the overseas-trained doctors. (5) No. (6) The provision of locum services for private general practices has not been considered as it is not a state government responsibility. GP coverage is a commonwealth issue and the Department of Health is working closely with the commonwealth to resolve the problem.
(3) What specific actions has the minister taken to resolve the Narrogin medical worker shortage in the past three years? (4) What specific and immediate action is the minister planning to take to resolve Narrogin’s medical worker shortage? (5) Has the minister considered using a system of locum services to relieve the current situation? (6) If no to (5), why not? Hon SUE ELLERY replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. (1) No. (2)-(3) The WA Country Health Service Wheatbelt does not employ medical staff at Narrogin Regional Hospital. Instead, the WA Country Health Service Wheatbelt contracts medical services from the private general practices in the town through a medical services agreement. The two private general practices in Narrogin have been unsuccessful in replacing the four permanent doctors who left the town in 2006. In 2006 nine private practice general practitioners had admitting rights to the hospital. That number is now five despite the efforts of the private general practices in town to recruit more permanent doctors. The five doctors in town all participate in an on-call arrangement and are providing adequate cover at this stage. Should the general practices employ more doctors, those doctors will be given admitting rights if they meet our credentialling requirements. The WA Country Health Service has been advised by the private practices that three overseas-trained doctors are due to arrive on a permanent basis in July, August and November. In addition, until these permanent replacements arrive, WA Country Health Service understands that one practice will employ a locum who will also participate in the on-call roster. The WA Country Health Service is working very closely with the private general practices to support and assist in the recruitment of new doctors to keep the practices viable and to ensure Narrogin Regional Hospital provides a full range of services at all times. Nurses are replaced as positions become vacant and agency staff may be used if there is a delay in filling permanent positions. The total number of nurses employed and the number of nurses who left Narrogin hospital in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 are shown in the table below that I seek leave to table and have incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. [See paper 4065.] The following material was incorporated — Nursing Services 2005 2006 2007 2008 Number of Nurses Employed at Narrogin Hospital 73 71 71 74 Number of Nurses Left Narrogin Hospital 11 17 13 5 (4) The WA Country Health Service is looking at a number of options to assist the town in recruiting additional doctors to the private general practices. These options include sourcing funding from commonwealth government programs set up to assist general practices with placement and relocation costs; seeking assistance from Rural Health West; seeking assistance from the Australian Medical Association; seeking assistance from the GP Network; and providing assistance to the Earl Street Clinic with paperwork to enable it to take over the sponsorship of the overseas-trained doctors. (5) No. (6) The provision of locum services for private general practices has not been considered as it is not a state government responsibility. GP coverage is a commonwealth issue and the Department of Health is working closely with the commonwealth to resolve the problem.
(4) What specific and immediate action is the minister planning to take to resolve Narrogin’s medical worker shortage? (5) Has the minister considered using a system of locum services to relieve the current situation? (6) If no to (5), why not? Hon SUE ELLERY replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. (1) No. (2)-(3) The WA Country Health Service Wheatbelt does not employ medical staff at Narrogin Regional Hospital. Instead, the WA Country Health Service Wheatbelt contracts medical services from the private general practices in the town through a medical services agreement. The two private general practices in Narrogin have been unsuccessful in replacing the four permanent doctors who left the town in 2006. In 2006 nine private practice general practitioners had admitting rights to the hospital. That number is now five despite the efforts of the private general practices in town to recruit more permanent doctors. The five doctors in town all participate in an on-call arrangement and are providing adequate cover at this stage. Should the general practices employ more doctors, those doctors will be given admitting rights if they meet our credentialling requirements. The WA Country Health Service has been advised by the private practices that three overseas-trained doctors are due to arrive on a permanent basis in July, August and November. In addition, until these permanent replacements arrive, WA Country Health Service understands that one practice will employ a locum who will also participate in the on-call roster. The WA Country Health Service is working very closely with the private general practices to support and assist in the recruitment of new doctors to keep the practices viable and to ensure Narrogin Regional Hospital provides a full range of services at all times. Nurses are replaced as positions become vacant and agency staff may be used if there is a delay in filling permanent positions. The total number of nurses employed and the number of nurses who left Narrogin hospital in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 are shown in the table below that I seek leave to table and have incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. [See paper 4065.] The following material was incorporated — Nursing Services 2005 2006 2007 2008 Number of Nurses Employed at Narrogin Hospital 73 71 71 74 Number of Nurses Left Narrogin Hospital 11 17 13 5 (4) The WA Country Health Service is looking at a number of options to assist the town in recruiting additional doctors to the private general practices. These options include sourcing funding from commonwealth government programs set up to assist general practices with placement and relocation costs; seeking assistance from Rural Health West; seeking assistance from the Australian Medical Association; seeking assistance from the GP Network; and providing assistance to the Earl Street Clinic with paperwork to enable it to take over the sponsorship of the overseas-trained doctors. (5) No. (6) The provision of locum services for private general practices has not been considered as it is not a state government responsibility. GP coverage is a commonwealth issue and the Department of Health is working closely with the commonwealth to resolve the problem.
(5) Has the minister considered using a system of locum services to relieve the current situation? (6) If no to (5), why not? Hon SUE ELLERY replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. (1) No. (2)-(3) The WA Country Health Service Wheatbelt does not employ medical staff at Narrogin Regional Hospital. Instead, the WA Country Health Service Wheatbelt contracts medical services from the private general practices in the town through a medical services agreement. The two private general practices in Narrogin have been unsuccessful in replacing the four permanent doctors who left the town in 2006. In 2006 nine private practice general practitioners had admitting rights to the hospital. That number is now five despite the efforts of the private general practices in town to recruit more permanent doctors. The five doctors in town all participate in an on-call arrangement and are providing adequate cover at this stage. Should the general practices employ more doctors, those doctors will be given admitting rights if they meet our credentialling requirements. The WA Country Health Service has been advised by the private practices that three overseas-trained doctors are due to arrive on a permanent basis in July, August and November. In addition, until these permanent replacements arrive, WA Country Health Service understands that one practice will employ a locum who will also participate in the on-call roster. The WA Country Health Service is working very closely with the private general practices to support and assist in the recruitment of new doctors to keep the practices viable and to ensure Narrogin Regional Hospital provides a full range of services at all times. Nurses are replaced as positions become vacant and agency staff may be used if there is a delay in filling permanent positions. The total number of nurses employed and the number of nurses who left Narrogin hospital in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 are shown in the table below that I seek leave to table and have incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. [See paper 4065.] The following material was incorporated — Nursing Services 2005 2006 2007 2008 Number of Nurses Employed at Narrogin Hospital 73 71 71 74 Number of Nurses Left Narrogin Hospital 11 17 13 5 (4) The WA Country Health Service is looking at a number of options to assist the town in recruiting additional doctors to the private general practices. These options include sourcing funding from commonwealth government programs set up to assist general practices with placement and relocation costs; seeking assistance from Rural Health West; seeking assistance from the Australian Medical Association; seeking assistance from the GP Network; and providing assistance to the Earl Street Clinic with paperwork to enable it to take over the sponsorship of the overseas-trained doctors. (5) No. (6) The provision of locum services for private general practices has not been considered as it is not a state government responsibility. GP coverage is a commonwealth issue and the Department of Health is working closely with the commonwealth to resolve the problem.
(6) If no to (5), why not? Hon SUE ELLERY replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. (1) No. (2)-(3) The WA Country Health Service Wheatbelt does not employ medical staff at Narrogin Regional Hospital. Instead, the WA Country Health Service Wheatbelt contracts medical services from the private general practices in the town through a medical services agreement. The two private general practices in Narrogin have been unsuccessful in replacing the four permanent doctors who left the town in 2006. In 2006 nine private practice general practitioners had admitting rights to the hospital. That number is now five despite the efforts of the private general practices in town to recruit more permanent doctors. The five doctors in town all participate in an on-call arrangement and are providing adequate cover at this stage. Should the general practices employ more doctors, those doctors will be given admitting rights if they meet our credentialling requirements. The WA Country Health Service has been advised by the private practices that three overseas-trained doctors are due to arrive on a permanent basis in July, August and November. In addition, until these permanent replacements arrive, WA Country Health Service understands that one practice will employ a locum who will also participate in the on-call roster. The WA Country Health Service is working very closely with the private general practices to support and assist in the recruitment of new doctors to keep the practices viable and to ensure Narrogin Regional Hospital provides a full range of services at all times. Nurses are replaced as positions become vacant and agency staff may be used if there is a delay in filling permanent positions. The total number of nurses employed and the number of nurses who left Narrogin hospital in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 are shown in the table below that I seek leave to table and have incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. [See paper 4065.] The following material was incorporated — Nursing Services 2005 2006 2007 2008 Number of Nurses Employed at Narrogin Hospital 73 71 71 74 Number of Nurses Left Narrogin Hospital 11 17 13 5 (4) The WA Country Health Service is looking at a number of options to assist the town in recruiting additional doctors to the private general practices. These options include sourcing funding from commonwealth government programs set up to assist general practices with placement and relocation costs; seeking assistance from Rural Health West; seeking assistance from the Australian Medical Association; seeking assistance from the GP Network; and providing assistance to the Earl Street Clinic with paperwork to enable it to take over the sponsorship of the overseas-trained doctors. (5) No. (6) The provision of locum services for private general practices has not been considered as it is not a state government responsibility. GP coverage is a commonwealth issue and the Department of Health is working closely with the commonwealth to resolve the problem.
Hon SUE ELLERY replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. (1) No. (2)-(3) The WA Country Health Service Wheatbelt does not employ medical staff at Narrogin Regional Hospital. Instead, the WA Country Health Service Wheatbelt contracts medical services from the private general practices in the town through a medical services agreement. The two private general practices in Narrogin have been unsuccessful in replacing the four permanent doctors who left the town in 2006. In 2006 nine private practice general practitioners had admitting rights to the hospital. That number is now five despite the efforts of the private general practices in town to recruit more permanent doctors. The five doctors in town all participate in an on-call arrangement and are providing adequate cover at this stage. Should the general practices employ more doctors, those doctors will be given admitting rights if they meet our credentialling requirements. The WA Country Health Service has been advised by the private practices that three overseas-trained doctors are due to arrive on a permanent basis in July, August and November. In addition, until these permanent replacements arrive, WA Country Health Service understands that one practice will employ a locum who will also participate in the on-call roster. The WA Country Health Service is working very closely with the private general practices to support and assist in the recruitment of new doctors to keep the practices viable and to ensure Narrogin Regional Hospital provides a full range of services at all times. Nurses are replaced as positions become vacant and agency staff may be used if there is a delay in filling permanent positions. The total number of nurses employed and the number of nurses who left Narrogin hospital in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 are shown in the table below that I seek leave to table and have incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. [See paper 4065.] The following material was incorporated — Nursing Services 2005 2006 2007 2008 Number of Nurses Employed at Narrogin Hospital 73 71 71 74 Number of Nurses Left Narrogin Hospital 11 17 13 5 (4) The WA Country Health Service is looking at a number of options to assist the town in recruiting additional doctors to the private general practices. These options include sourcing funding from commonwealth government programs set up to assist general practices with placement and relocation costs; seeking assistance from Rural Health West; seeking assistance from the Australian Medical Association; seeking assistance from the GP Network; and providing assistance to the Earl Street Clinic with paperwork to enable it to take over the sponsorship of the overseas-trained doctors. (5) No. (6) The provision of locum services for private general practices has not been considered as it is not a state government responsibility. GP coverage is a commonwealth issue and the Department of Health is working closely with the commonwealth to resolve the problem.
I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. (1) No. (2)-(3) The WA Country Health Service Wheatbelt does not employ medical staff at Narrogin Regional Hospital. Instead, the WA Country Health Service Wheatbelt contracts medical services from the private general practices in the town through a medical services agreement. The two private general practices in Narrogin have been unsuccessful in replacing the four permanent doctors who left the town in 2006. In 2006 nine private practice general practitioners had admitting rights to the hospital. That number is now five despite the efforts of the private general practices in town to recruit more permanent doctors. The five doctors in town all participate in an on-call arrangement and are providing adequate cover at this stage. Should the general practices employ more doctors, those doctors will be given admitting rights if they meet our credentialling requirements. The WA Country Health Service has been advised by the private practices that three overseas-trained doctors are due to arrive on a permanent basis in July, August and November. In addition, until these permanent replacements arrive, WA Country Health Service understands that one practice will employ a locum who will also participate in the on-call roster. The WA Country Health Service is working very closely with the private general practices to support and assist in the recruitment of new doctors to keep the practices viable and to ensure Narrogin Regional Hospital provides a full range of services at all times. Nurses are replaced as positions become vacant and agency staff may be used if there is a delay in filling permanent positions. The total number of nurses employed and the number of nurses who left Narrogin hospital in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 are shown in the table below that I seek leave to table and have incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. [See paper 4065.] The following material was incorporated — Nursing Services 2005 2006 2007 2008 Number of Nurses Employed at Narrogin Hospital 73 71 71 74 Number of Nurses Left Narrogin Hospital 11 17 13 5 (4) The WA Country Health Service is looking at a number of options to assist the town in recruiting additional doctors to the private general practices. These options include sourcing funding from commonwealth government programs set up to assist general practices with placement and relocation costs; seeking assistance from Rural Health West; seeking assistance from the Australian Medical Association; seeking assistance from the GP Network; and providing assistance to the Earl Street Clinic with paperwork to enable it to take over the sponsorship of the overseas-trained doctors. (5) No. (6) The provision of locum services for private general practices has not been considered as it is not a state government responsibility. GP coverage is a commonwealth issue and the Department of Health is working closely with the commonwealth to resolve the problem.
(1) No. (2)-(3) The WA Country Health Service Wheatbelt does not employ medical staff at Narrogin Regional Hospital. Instead, the WA Country Health Service Wheatbelt contracts medical services from the private general practices in the town through a medical services agreement. The two private general practices in Narrogin have been unsuccessful in replacing the four permanent doctors who left the town in 2006. In 2006 nine private practice general practitioners had admitting rights to the hospital. That number is now five despite the efforts of the private general practices in town to recruit more permanent doctors. The five doctors in town all participate in an on-call arrangement and are providing adequate cover at this stage. Should the general practices employ more doctors, those doctors will be given admitting rights if they meet our credentialling requirements. The WA Country Health Service has been advised by the private practices that three overseas-trained doctors are due to arrive on a permanent basis in July, August and November. In addition, until these permanent replacements arrive, WA Country Health Service understands that one practice will employ a locum who will also participate in the on-call roster. The WA Country Health Service is working very closely with the private general practices to support and assist in the recruitment of new doctors to keep the practices viable and to ensure Narrogin Regional Hospital provides a full range of services at all times. Nurses are replaced as positions become vacant and agency staff may be used if there is a delay in filling permanent positions. The total number of nurses employed and the number of nurses who left Narrogin hospital in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 are shown in the table below that I seek leave to table and have incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. [See paper 4065.] The following material was incorporated — Nursing Services 2005 2006 2007 2008 Number of Nurses Employed at Narrogin Hospital 73 71 71 74 Number of Nurses Left Narrogin Hospital 11 17 13 5 (4) The WA Country Health Service is looking at a number of options to assist the town in recruiting additional doctors to the private general practices. These options include sourcing funding from commonwealth government programs set up to assist general practices with placement and relocation costs; seeking assistance from Rural Health West; seeking assistance from the Australian Medical Association; seeking assistance from the GP Network; and providing assistance to the Earl Street Clinic with paperwork to enable it to take over the sponsorship of the overseas-trained doctors. (5) No. (6) The provision of locum services for private general practices has not been considered as it is not a state government responsibility. GP coverage is a commonwealth issue and the Department of Health is working closely with the commonwealth to resolve the problem.
(2)-(3) The WA Country Health Service Wheatbelt does not employ medical staff at Narrogin Regional Hospital. Instead, the WA Country Health Service Wheatbelt contracts medical services from the private general practices in the town through a medical services agreement. The two private general practices in Narrogin have been unsuccessful in replacing the four permanent doctors who left the town in 2006. In 2006 nine private practice general practitioners had admitting rights to the hospital. That number is now five despite the efforts of the private general practices in town to recruit more permanent doctors. The five doctors in town all participate in an on-call arrangement and are providing adequate cover at this stage. Should the general practices employ more doctors, those doctors will be given admitting rights if they meet our credentialling requirements. The WA Country Health Service has been advised by the private practices that three overseas-trained doctors are due to arrive on a permanent basis in July, August and November. In addition, until these permanent replacements arrive, WA Country Health Service understands that one practice will employ a locum who will also participate in the on-call roster. The WA Country Health Service is working very closely with the private general practices to support and assist in the recruitment of new doctors to keep the practices viable and to ensure Narrogin Regional Hospital provides a full range of services at all times. Nurses are replaced as positions become vacant and agency staff may be used if there is a delay in filling permanent positions. The total number of nurses employed and the number of nurses who left Narrogin hospital in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 are shown in the table below that I seek leave to table and have incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. [See paper 4065.] The following material was incorporated — Nursing Services 2005 2006 2007 2008 Number of Nurses Employed at Narrogin Hospital 73 71 71 74 Number of Nurses Left Narrogin Hospital 11 17 13 5 (4) The WA Country Health Service is looking at a number of options to assist the town in recruiting additional doctors to the private general practices. These options include sourcing funding from commonwealth government programs set up to assist general practices with placement and relocation costs; seeking assistance from Rural Health West; seeking assistance from the Australian Medical Association; seeking assistance from the GP Network; and providing assistance to the Earl Street Clinic with paperwork to enable it to take over the sponsorship of the overseas-trained doctors. (5) No. (6) The provision of locum services for private general practices has not been considered as it is not a state government responsibility. GP coverage is a commonwealth issue and the Department of Health is working closely with the commonwealth to resolve the problem.
The WA Country Health Service is working very closely with the private general practices to support and assist in the recruitment of new doctors to keep the practices viable and to ensure Narrogin Regional Hospital provides a full range of services at all times. Nurses are replaced as positions become vacant and agency staff may be used if there is a delay in filling permanent positions. The total number of nurses employed and the number of nurses who left Narrogin hospital in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 are shown in the table below that I seek leave to table and have incorporated into Hansard .
The following material was incorporated — Nursing Services 2005 2006 2007 2008 Number of Nurses Employed at Narrogin Hospital 73 71 71 74 Number of Nurses Left Narrogin Hospital 11 17 13 5 (4) The WA Country Health Service is looking at a number of options to assist the town in recruiting additional doctors to the private general practices. These options include sourcing funding from commonwealth government programs set up to assist general practices with placement and relocation costs; seeking assistance from Rural Health West; seeking assistance from the Australian Medical Association; seeking assistance from the GP Network; and providing assistance to the Earl Street Clinic with paperwork to enable it to take over the sponsorship of the overseas-trained doctors. (5) No. (6) The provision of locum services for private general practices has not been considered as it is not a state government responsibility. GP coverage is a commonwealth issue and the Department of Health is working closely with the commonwealth to resolve the problem.
Nursing Services 2005 2006 2007 2008 Number of Nurses Employed at Narrogin Hospital 73 71 71 74 Number of Nurses Left Narrogin Hospital 11 17 13 5 (4) The WA Country Health Service is looking at a number of options to assist the town in recruiting additional doctors to the private general practices. These options include sourcing funding from commonwealth government programs set up to assist general practices with placement and relocation costs; seeking assistance from Rural Health West; seeking assistance from the Australian Medical Association; seeking assistance from the GP Network; and providing assistance to the Earl Street Clinic with paperwork to enable it to take over the sponsorship of the overseas-trained doctors. (5) No. (6) The provision of locum services for private general practices has not been considered as it is not a state government responsibility. GP coverage is a commonwealth issue and the Department of Health is working closely with the commonwealth to resolve the problem.
(4) The WA Country Health Service is looking at a number of options to assist the town in recruiting additional doctors to the private general practices. These options include sourcing funding from commonwealth government programs set up to assist general practices with placement and relocation costs; seeking assistance from Rural Health West; seeking assistance from the Australian Medical Association; seeking assistance from the GP Network; and providing assistance to the Earl Street Clinic with paperwork to enable it to take over the sponsorship of the overseas-trained doctors. (5) No. (6) The provision of locum services for private general practices has not been considered as it is not a state government responsibility. GP coverage is a commonwealth issue and the Department of Health is working closely with the commonwealth to resolve the problem.
(5) No. (6) The provision of locum services for private general practices has not been considered as it is not a state government responsibility. GP coverage is a commonwealth issue and the Department of Health is working closely with the commonwealth to resolve the problem.
(6) The provision of locum services for private general practices has not been considered as it is not a state government responsibility. GP coverage is a commonwealth issue and the Department of Health is working closely with the commonwealth to resolve the problem.
(1) Is the minister aware of the medical workforce crisis in Narrogin that is putting service delivery in the town and surrounding districts at risk? (2) How many doctors, nurses and other medical service staff have left Narrogin Regional Hospital in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 to date? (3) What specific actions has the minister taken to resolve the Narrogin medical worker shortage in the past three years? (4) What specific and immediate action is the minister planning to take to resolve Narrogin’s medical worker shortage? (5) Has the minister considered using a system of locum services to relieve the current situation? (6) If no to (5), why not? Hon SUE ELLERY replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. (1) No. (2)-(3) The WA Country Health Service Wheatbelt does not employ medical staff at Narrogin Regional Hospital. Instead, the WA Country Health Service Wheatbelt contracts medical services from the private general practices in the town through a medical services agreement. The two private general practices in Narrogin have been unsuccessful in replacing the four permanent doctors who left the town in 2006. In 2006 nine private practice general practitioners had admitting rights to the hospital. That number is now five despite the efforts of the private general practices in town to recruit more permanent doctors. The five doctors in town all participate in an on-call arrangement and are providing adequate cover at this stage. Should the general practices employ more doctors, those doctors will be given admitting rights if they meet our credentialling requirements. The WA Country Health Service has been advised by the private practices that three overseas-trained doctors are due to arrive on a permanent basis in July, August and November. In addition, until these permanent replacements arrive, WA Country Health Service understands that one practice will employ a locum who will also participate in the on-call roster. The WA Country Health Service is working very closely with the private general practices to support and assist in the recruitment of new doctors to keep the practices viable and to ensure Narrogin Regional Hospital provides a full range of services at all times. Nurses are replaced as positions become vacant and agency staff may be used if there is a delay in filling permanent positions. The total number of nurses employed and the number of nurses who left Narrogin hospital in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 are shown in the table below that I seek leave to table and have incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. [See paper 4065.] The following material was incorporated — Nursing Services 2005 2006 2007 2008 Number of Nurses Employed at Narrogin Hospital 73 71 71 74 Number of Nurses Left Narrogin Hospital 11 17 13 5 (4) The WA Country Health Service is looking at a number of options to assist the town in recruiting additional doctors to the private general practices. These options include sourcing funding from commonwealth government programs set up to assist general practices with placement and relocation costs; seeking assistance from Rural Health West; seeking assistance from the Australian Medical Association; seeking assistance from the GP Network; and providing assistance to the Earl Street Clinic with paperwork to enable it to take over the sponsorship of the overseas-trained doctors. (5) No. (6) The provision of locum services for private general practices has not been considered as it is not a state government responsibility. GP coverage is a commonwealth issue and the Department of Health is working closely with the commonwealth to resolve the problem.
(2) How many doctors, nurses and other medical service staff have left Narrogin Regional Hospital in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 to date? (3) What specific actions has the minister taken to resolve the Narrogin medical worker shortage in the past three years? (4) What specific and immediate action is the minister planning to take to resolve Narrogin’s medical worker shortage? (5) Has the minister considered using a system of locum services to relieve the current situation? (6) If no to (5), why not? Hon SUE ELLERY replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. (1) No. (2)-(3) The WA Country Health Service Wheatbelt does not employ medical staff at Narrogin Regional Hospital. Instead, the WA Country Health Service Wheatbelt contracts medical services from the private general practices in the town through a medical services agreement. The two private general practices in Narrogin have been unsuccessful in replacing the four permanent doctors who left the town in 2006. In 2006 nine private practice general practitioners had admitting rights to the hospital. That number is now five despite the efforts of the private general practices in town to recruit more permanent doctors. The five doctors in town all participate in an on-call arrangement and are providing adequate cover at this stage. Should the general practices employ more doctors, those doctors will be given admitting rights if they meet our credentialling requirements. The WA Country Health Service has been advised by the private practices that three overseas-trained doctors are due to arrive on a permanent basis in July, August and November. In addition, until these permanent replacements arrive, WA Country Health Service understands that one practice will employ a locum who will also participate in the on-call roster. The WA Country Health Service is working very closely with the private general practices to support and assist in the recruitment of new doctors to keep the practices viable and to ensure Narrogin Regional Hospital provides a full range of services at all times. Nurses are replaced as positions become vacant and agency staff may be used if there is a delay in filling permanent positions. The total number of nurses employed and the number of nurses who left Narrogin hospital in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 are shown in the table below that I seek leave to table and have incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. [See paper 4065.] The following material was incorporated — Nursing Services 2005 2006 2007 2008 Number of Nurses Employed at Narrogin Hospital 73 71 71 74 Number of Nurses Left Narrogin Hospital 11 17 13 5 (4) The WA Country Health Service is looking at a number of options to assist the town in recruiting additional doctors to the private general practices. These options include sourcing funding from commonwealth government programs set up to assist general practices with placement and relocation costs; seeking assistance from Rural Health West; seeking assistance from the Australian Medical Association; seeking assistance from the GP Network; and providing assistance to the Earl Street Clinic with paperwork to enable it to take over the sponsorship of the overseas-trained doctors. (5) No. (6) The provision of locum services for private general practices has not been considered as it is not a state government responsibility. GP coverage is a commonwealth issue and the Department of Health is working closely with the commonwealth to resolve the problem.
(3) What specific actions has the minister taken to resolve the Narrogin medical worker shortage in the past three years? (4) What specific and immediate action is the minister planning to take to resolve Narrogin’s medical worker shortage? (5) Has the minister considered using a system of locum services to relieve the current situation? (6) If no to (5), why not? Hon SUE ELLERY replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. (1) No. (2)-(3) The WA Country Health Service Wheatbelt does not employ medical staff at Narrogin Regional Hospital. Instead, the WA Country Health Service Wheatbelt contracts medical services from the private general practices in the town through a medical services agreement. The two private general practices in Narrogin have been unsuccessful in replacing the four permanent doctors who left the town in 2006. In 2006 nine private practice general practitioners had admitting rights to the hospital. That number is now five despite the efforts of the private general practices in town to recruit more permanent doctors. The five doctors in town all participate in an on-call arrangement and are providing adequate cover at this stage. Should the general practices employ more doctors, those doctors will be given admitting rights if they meet our credentialling requirements. The WA Country Health Service has been advised by the private practices that three overseas-trained doctors are due to arrive on a permanent basis in July, August and November. In addition, until these permanent replacements arrive, WA Country Health Service understands that one practice will employ a locum who will also participate in the on-call roster. The WA Country Health Service is working very closely with the private general practices to support and assist in the recruitment of new doctors to keep the practices viable and to ensure Narrogin Regional Hospital provides a full range of services at all times. Nurses are replaced as positions become vacant and agency staff may be used if there is a delay in filling permanent positions. The total number of nurses employed and the number of nurses who left Narrogin hospital in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 are shown in the table below that I seek leave to table and have incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. [See paper 4065.] The following material was incorporated — Nursing Services 2005 2006 2007 2008 Number of Nurses Employed at Narrogin Hospital 73 71 71 74 Number of Nurses Left Narrogin Hospital 11 17 13 5 (4) The WA Country Health Service is looking at a number of options to assist the town in recruiting additional doctors to the private general practices. These options include sourcing funding from commonwealth government programs set up to assist general practices with placement and relocation costs; seeking assistance from Rural Health West; seeking assistance from the Australian Medical Association; seeking assistance from the GP Network; and providing assistance to the Earl Street Clinic with paperwork to enable it to take over the sponsorship of the overseas-trained doctors. (5) No. (6) The provision of locum services for private general practices has not been considered as it is not a state government responsibility. GP coverage is a commonwealth issue and the Department of Health is working closely with the commonwealth to resolve the problem.
(4) What specific and immediate action is the minister planning to take to resolve Narrogin’s medical worker shortage? (5) Has the minister considered using a system of locum services to relieve the current situation? (6) If no to (5), why not? Hon SUE ELLERY replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. (1) No. (2)-(3) The WA Country Health Service Wheatbelt does not employ medical staff at Narrogin Regional Hospital. Instead, the WA Country Health Service Wheatbelt contracts medical services from the private general practices in the town through a medical services agreement. The two private general practices in Narrogin have been unsuccessful in replacing the four permanent doctors who left the town in 2006. In 2006 nine private practice general practitioners had admitting rights to the hospital. That number is now five despite the efforts of the private general practices in town to recruit more permanent doctors. The five doctors in town all participate in an on-call arrangement and are providing adequate cover at this stage. Should the general practices employ more doctors, those doctors will be given admitting rights if they meet our credentialling requirements. The WA Country Health Service has been advised by the private practices that three overseas-trained doctors are due to arrive on a permanent basis in July, August and November. In addition, until these permanent replacements arrive, WA Country Health Service understands that one practice will employ a locum who will also participate in the on-call roster. The WA Country Health Service is working very closely with the private general practices to support and assist in the recruitment of new doctors to keep the practices viable and to ensure Narrogin Regional Hospital provides a full range of services at all times. Nurses are replaced as positions become vacant and agency staff may be used if there is a delay in filling permanent positions. The total number of nurses employed and the number of nurses who left Narrogin hospital in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 are shown in the table below that I seek leave to table and have incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. [See paper 4065.] The following material was incorporated — Nursing Services 2005 2006 2007 2008 Number of Nurses Employed at Narrogin Hospital 73 71 71 74 Number of Nurses Left Narrogin Hospital 11 17 13 5 (4) The WA Country Health Service is looking at a number of options to assist the town in recruiting additional doctors to the private general practices. These options include sourcing funding from commonwealth government programs set up to assist general practices with placement and relocation costs; seeking assistance from Rural Health West; seeking assistance from the Australian Medical Association; seeking assistance from the GP Network; and providing assistance to the Earl Street Clinic with paperwork to enable it to take over the sponsorship of the overseas-trained doctors. (5) No. (6) The provision of locum services for private general practices has not been considered as it is not a state government responsibility. GP coverage is a commonwealth issue and the Department of Health is working closely with the commonwealth to resolve the problem.
(5) Has the minister considered using a system of locum services to relieve the current situation? (6) If no to (5), why not? Hon SUE ELLERY replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. (1) No. (2)-(3) The WA Country Health Service Wheatbelt does not employ medical staff at Narrogin Regional Hospital. Instead, the WA Country Health Service Wheatbelt contracts medical services from the private general practices in the town through a medical services agreement. The two private general practices in Narrogin have been unsuccessful in replacing the four permanent doctors who left the town in 2006. In 2006 nine private practice general practitioners had admitting rights to the hospital. That number is now five despite the efforts of the private general practices in town to recruit more permanent doctors. The five doctors in town all participate in an on-call arrangement and are providing adequate cover at this stage. Should the general practices employ more doctors, those doctors will be given admitting rights if they meet our credentialling requirements. The WA Country Health Service has been advised by the private practices that three overseas-trained doctors are due to arrive on a permanent basis in July, August and November. In addition, until these permanent replacements arrive, WA Country Health Service understands that one practice will employ a locum who will also participate in the on-call roster. The WA Country Health Service is working very closely with the private general practices to support and assist in the recruitment of new doctors to keep the practices viable and to ensure Narrogin Regional Hospital provides a full range of services at all times. Nurses are replaced as positions become vacant and agency staff may be used if there is a delay in filling permanent positions. The total number of nurses employed and the number of nurses who left Narrogin hospital in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 are shown in the table below that I seek leave to table and have incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. [See paper 4065.] The following material was incorporated — Nursing Services 2005 2006 2007 2008 Number of Nurses Employed at Narrogin Hospital 73 71 71 74 Number of Nurses Left Narrogin Hospital 11 17 13 5 (4) The WA Country Health Service is looking at a number of options to assist the town in recruiting additional doctors to the private general practices. These options include sourcing funding from commonwealth government programs set up to assist general practices with placement and relocation costs; seeking assistance from Rural Health West; seeking assistance from the Australian Medical Association; seeking assistance from the GP Network; and providing assistance to the Earl Street Clinic with paperwork to enable it to take over the sponsorship of the overseas-trained doctors. (5) No. (6) The provision of locum services for private general practices has not been considered as it is not a state government responsibility. GP coverage is a commonwealth issue and the Department of Health is working closely with the commonwealth to resolve the problem.
(6) If no to (5), why not? Hon SUE ELLERY replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. (1) No. (2)-(3) The WA Country Health Service Wheatbelt does not employ medical staff at Narrogin Regional Hospital. Instead, the WA Country Health Service Wheatbelt contracts medical services from the private general practices in the town through a medical services agreement. The two private general practices in Narrogin have been unsuccessful in replacing the four permanent doctors who left the town in 2006. In 2006 nine private practice general practitioners had admitting rights to the hospital. That number is now five despite the efforts of the private general practices in town to recruit more permanent doctors. The five doctors in town all participate in an on-call arrangement and are providing adequate cover at this stage. Should the general practices employ more doctors, those doctors will be given admitting rights if they meet our credentialling requirements. The WA Country Health Service has been advised by the private practices that three overseas-trained doctors are due to arrive on a permanent basis in July, August and November. In addition, until these permanent replacements arrive, WA Country Health Service understands that one practice will employ a locum who will also participate in the on-call roster. The WA Country Health Service is working very closely with the private general practices to support and assist in the recruitment of new doctors to keep the practices viable and to ensure Narrogin Regional Hospital provides a full range of services at all times. Nurses are replaced as positions become vacant and agency staff may be used if there is a delay in filling permanent positions. The total number of nurses employed and the number of nurses who left Narrogin hospital in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 are shown in the table below that I seek leave to table and have incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. [See paper 4065.] The following material was incorporated — Nursing Services 2005 2006 2007 2008 Number of Nurses Employed at Narrogin Hospital 73 71 71 74 Number of Nurses Left Narrogin Hospital 11 17 13 5 (4) The WA Country Health Service is looking at a number of options to assist the town in recruiting additional doctors to the private general practices. These options include sourcing funding from commonwealth government programs set up to assist general practices with placement and relocation costs; seeking assistance from Rural Health West; seeking assistance from the Australian Medical Association; seeking assistance from the GP Network; and providing assistance to the Earl Street Clinic with paperwork to enable it to take over the sponsorship of the overseas-trained doctors. (5) No. (6) The provision of locum services for private general practices has not been considered as it is not a state government responsibility. GP coverage is a commonwealth issue and the Department of Health is working closely with the commonwealth to resolve the problem.
Hon SUE ELLERY replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. (1) No. (2)-(3) The WA Country Health Service Wheatbelt does not employ medical staff at Narrogin Regional Hospital. Instead, the WA Country Health Service Wheatbelt contracts medical services from the private general practices in the town through a medical services agreement. The two private general practices in Narrogin have been unsuccessful in replacing the four permanent doctors who left the town in 2006. In 2006 nine private practice general practitioners had admitting rights to the hospital. That number is now five despite the efforts of the private general practices in town to recruit more permanent doctors. The five doctors in town all participate in an on-call arrangement and are providing adequate cover at this stage. Should the general practices employ more doctors, those doctors will be given admitting rights if they meet our credentialling requirements. The WA Country Health Service has been advised by the private practices that three overseas-trained doctors are due to arrive on a permanent basis in July, August and November. In addition, until these permanent replacements arrive, WA Country Health Service understands that one practice will employ a locum who will also participate in the on-call roster. The WA Country Health Service is working very closely with the private general practices to support and assist in the recruitment of new doctors to keep the practices viable and to ensure Narrogin Regional Hospital provides a full range of services at all times. Nurses are replaced as positions become vacant and agency staff may be used if there is a delay in filling permanent positions. The total number of nurses employed and the number of nurses who left Narrogin hospital in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 are shown in the table below that I seek leave to table and have incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. [See paper 4065.] The following material was incorporated — Nursing Services 2005 2006 2007 2008 Number of Nurses Employed at Narrogin Hospital 73 71 71 74 Number of Nurses Left Narrogin Hospital 11 17 13 5 (4) The WA Country Health Service is looking at a number of options to assist the town in recruiting additional doctors to the private general practices. These options include sourcing funding from commonwealth government programs set up to assist general practices with placement and relocation costs; seeking assistance from Rural Health West; seeking assistance from the Australian Medical Association; seeking assistance from the GP Network; and providing assistance to the Earl Street Clinic with paperwork to enable it to take over the sponsorship of the overseas-trained doctors. (5) No. (6) The provision of locum services for private general practices has not been considered as it is not a state government responsibility. GP coverage is a commonwealth issue and the Department of Health is working closely with the commonwealth to resolve the problem.
I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. (1) No. (2)-(3) The WA Country Health Service Wheatbelt does not employ medical staff at Narrogin Regional Hospital. Instead, the WA Country Health Service Wheatbelt contracts medical services from the private general practices in the town through a medical services agreement. The two private general practices in Narrogin have been unsuccessful in replacing the four permanent doctors who left the town in 2006. In 2006 nine private practice general practitioners had admitting rights to the hospital. That number is now five despite the efforts of the private general practices in town to recruit more permanent doctors. The five doctors in town all participate in an on-call arrangement and are providing adequate cover at this stage. Should the general practices employ more doctors, those doctors will be given admitting rights if they meet our credentialling requirements. The WA Country Health Service has been advised by the private practices that three overseas-trained doctors are due to arrive on a permanent basis in July, August and November. In addition, until these permanent replacements arrive, WA Country Health Service understands that one practice will employ a locum who will also participate in the on-call roster. The WA Country Health Service is working very closely with the private general practices to support and assist in the recruitment of new doctors to keep the practices viable and to ensure Narrogin Regional Hospital provides a full range of services at all times. Nurses are replaced as positions become vacant and agency staff may be used if there is a delay in filling permanent positions. The total number of nurses employed and the number of nurses who left Narrogin hospital in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 are shown in the table below that I seek leave to table and have incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. [See paper 4065.] The following material was incorporated — Nursing Services 2005 2006 2007 2008 Number of Nurses Employed at Narrogin Hospital 73 71 71 74 Number of Nurses Left Narrogin Hospital 11 17 13 5 (4) The WA Country Health Service is looking at a number of options to assist the town in recruiting additional doctors to the private general practices. These options include sourcing funding from commonwealth government programs set up to assist general practices with placement and relocation costs; seeking assistance from Rural Health West; seeking assistance from the Australian Medical Association; seeking assistance from the GP Network; and providing assistance to the Earl Street Clinic with paperwork to enable it to take over the sponsorship of the overseas-trained doctors. (5) No. (6) The provision of locum services for private general practices has not been considered as it is not a state government responsibility. GP coverage is a commonwealth issue and the Department of Health is working closely with the commonwealth to resolve the problem.
(1) No. (2)-(3) The WA Country Health Service Wheatbelt does not employ medical staff at Narrogin Regional Hospital. Instead, the WA Country Health Service Wheatbelt contracts medical services from the private general practices in the town through a medical services agreement. The two private general practices in Narrogin have been unsuccessful in replacing the four permanent doctors who left the town in 2006. In 2006 nine private practice general practitioners had admitting rights to the hospital. That number is now five despite the efforts of the private general practices in town to recruit more permanent doctors. The five doctors in town all participate in an on-call arrangement and are providing adequate cover at this stage. Should the general practices employ more doctors, those doctors will be given admitting rights if they meet our credentialling requirements. The WA Country Health Service has been advised by the private practices that three overseas-trained doctors are due to arrive on a permanent basis in July, August and November. In addition, until these permanent replacements arrive, WA Country Health Service understands that one practice will employ a locum who will also participate in the on-call roster. The WA Country Health Service is working very closely with the private general practices to support and assist in the recruitment of new doctors to keep the practices viable and to ensure Narrogin Regional Hospital provides a full range of services at all times. Nurses are replaced as positions become vacant and agency staff may be used if there is a delay in filling permanent positions. The total number of nurses employed and the number of nurses who left Narrogin hospital in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 are shown in the table below that I seek leave to table and have incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. [See paper 4065.] The following material was incorporated — Nursing Services 2005 2006 2007 2008 Number of Nurses Employed at Narrogin Hospital 73 71 71 74 Number of Nurses Left Narrogin Hospital 11 17 13 5 (4) The WA Country Health Service is looking at a number of options to assist the town in recruiting additional doctors to the private general practices. These options include sourcing funding from commonwealth government programs set up to assist general practices with placement and relocation costs; seeking assistance from Rural Health West; seeking assistance from the Australian Medical Association; seeking assistance from the GP Network; and providing assistance to the Earl Street Clinic with paperwork to enable it to take over the sponsorship of the overseas-trained doctors. (5) No. (6) The provision of locum services for private general practices has not been considered as it is not a state government responsibility. GP coverage is a commonwealth issue and the Department of Health is working closely with the commonwealth to resolve the problem.
(2)-(3) The WA Country Health Service Wheatbelt does not employ medical staff at Narrogin Regional Hospital. Instead, the WA Country Health Service Wheatbelt contracts medical services from the private general practices in the town through a medical services agreement. The two private general practices in Narrogin have been unsuccessful in replacing the four permanent doctors who left the town in 2006. In 2006 nine private practice general practitioners had admitting rights to the hospital. That number is now five despite the efforts of the private general practices in town to recruit more permanent doctors. The five doctors in town all participate in an on-call arrangement and are providing adequate cover at this stage. Should the general practices employ more doctors, those doctors will be given admitting rights if they meet our credentialling requirements. The WA Country Health Service has been advised by the private practices that three overseas-trained doctors are due to arrive on a permanent basis in July, August and November. In addition, until these permanent replacements arrive, WA Country Health Service understands that one practice will employ a locum who will also participate in the on-call roster. The WA Country Health Service is working very closely with the private general practices to support and assist in the recruitment of new doctors to keep the practices viable and to ensure Narrogin Regional Hospital provides a full range of services at all times. Nurses are replaced as positions become vacant and agency staff may be used if there is a delay in filling permanent positions. The total number of nurses employed and the number of nurses who left Narrogin hospital in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 are shown in the table below that I seek leave to table and have incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. [See paper 4065.] The following material was incorporated — Nursing Services 2005 2006 2007 2008 Number of Nurses Employed at Narrogin Hospital 73 71 71 74 Number of Nurses Left Narrogin Hospital 11 17 13 5 (4) The WA Country Health Service is looking at a number of options to assist the town in recruiting additional doctors to the private general practices. These options include sourcing funding from commonwealth government programs set up to assist general practices with placement and relocation costs; seeking assistance from Rural Health West; seeking assistance from the Australian Medical Association; seeking assistance from the GP Network; and providing assistance to the Earl Street Clinic with paperwork to enable it to take over the sponsorship of the overseas-trained doctors. (5) No. (6) The provision of locum services for private general practices has not been considered as it is not a state government responsibility. GP coverage is a commonwealth issue and the Department of Health is working closely with the commonwealth to resolve the problem.
The WA Country Health Service is working very closely with the private general practices to support and assist in the recruitment of new doctors to keep the practices viable and to ensure Narrogin Regional Hospital provides a full range of services at all times. Nurses are replaced as positions become vacant and agency staff may be used if there is a delay in filling permanent positions. The total number of nurses employed and the number of nurses who left Narrogin hospital in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 are shown in the table below that I seek leave to table and have incorporated into Hansard .
The following material was incorporated — Nursing Services 2005 2006 2007 2008 Number of Nurses Employed at Narrogin Hospital 73 71 71 74 Number of Nurses Left Narrogin Hospital 11 17 13 5 (4) The WA Country Health Service is looking at a number of options to assist the town in recruiting additional doctors to the private general practices. These options include sourcing funding from commonwealth government programs set up to assist general practices with placement and relocation costs; seeking assistance from Rural Health West; seeking assistance from the Australian Medical Association; seeking assistance from the GP Network; and providing assistance to the Earl Street Clinic with paperwork to enable it to take over the sponsorship of the overseas-trained doctors. (5) No. (6) The provision of locum services for private general practices has not been considered as it is not a state government responsibility. GP coverage is a commonwealth issue and the Department of Health is working closely with the commonwealth to resolve the problem.
Nursing Services 2005 2006 2007 2008 Number of Nurses Employed at Narrogin Hospital 73 71 71 74 Number of Nurses Left Narrogin Hospital 11 17 13 5 (4) The WA Country Health Service is looking at a number of options to assist the town in recruiting additional doctors to the private general practices. These options include sourcing funding from commonwealth government programs set up to assist general practices with placement and relocation costs; seeking assistance from Rural Health West; seeking assistance from the Australian Medical Association; seeking assistance from the GP Network; and providing assistance to the Earl Street Clinic with paperwork to enable it to take over the sponsorship of the overseas-trained doctors. (5) No. (6) The provision of locum services for private general practices has not been considered as it is not a state government responsibility. GP coverage is a commonwealth issue and the Department of Health is working closely with the commonwealth to resolve the problem.
(4) The WA Country Health Service is looking at a number of options to assist the town in recruiting additional doctors to the private general practices. These options include sourcing funding from commonwealth government programs set up to assist general practices with placement and relocation costs; seeking assistance from Rural Health West; seeking assistance from the Australian Medical Association; seeking assistance from the GP Network; and providing assistance to the Earl Street Clinic with paperwork to enable it to take over the sponsorship of the overseas-trained doctors. (5) No. (6) The provision of locum services for private general practices has not been considered as it is not a state government responsibility. GP coverage is a commonwealth issue and the Department of Health is working closely with the commonwealth to resolve the problem.
(5) No. (6) The provision of locum services for private general practices has not been considered as it is not a state government responsibility. GP coverage is a commonwealth issue and the Department of Health is working closely with the commonwealth to resolve the problem.
(6) The provision of locum services for private general practices has not been considered as it is not a state government responsibility. GP coverage is a commonwealth issue and the Department of Health is working closely with the commonwealth to resolve the problem.
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