Topic: Workforce

SWSPHN’s Primary Care Workforce team attended the RACGP inaugural Registrar NSW Rural Showcase, on Wednesday, 7 August.

The initiative, the first of its kind nationally, was strategically held in conjunction with a training event for GPT1 and GPT2 RACGP registrars.

The primary aim of the showcase was to spotlight the unique opportunities rural regions of NSW offer to new GPs, both in terms of lifestyle and clinical experience.

The event sought to address a pressing issue: workforce shortages which are prevalent not just in rural areas but across all primary care settings in NSW.

 Throughout the day, registrars had the chance to engage directly with rural providers, experienced clinicians and local government stakeholders from across the state.

The showcase provided a platform for these emerging doctors to gain insight into the professional and personal rewards of practicing in rural areas – regions often marked by a profound need for dedicated healthcare professionals.

The RACGP also hosted a workshop tailored for the showcase stallholders, which proved to be an invaluable session.

Providers came together to discuss the multifaceted challenges, potential opportunities and notable successes experienced by rural healthcare providers.

The collaborative environment highlighted the stark contrasts and similarities in workforce challenges between metro and rural settings in NSW, emphasising the critical need for ongoing collaboration to bridge the gap in healthcare equity.

For SWSPHN, which serves a diverse region encompassing both metropolitan and rural areas (MM1- MM5), the showcase was more than just an opportunity to meet with the newest registrars placed across South Western Sydney.

It was a chance to forge stronger connections with other providers, exchange innovative ideas and explore potential collaborations which could lead to sustainable solutions for the workforce shortages affecting our region.

As SWSPHN strives to better understand the current landscape of the primary care workforce, events like the Registrar Rural Showcase play a pivotal role in our strategy.

By actively participating in these discussions and networking opportunities, we are better positioned to advocate for and implement policies that ensure equitable healthcare access for everyone.

The George Centre will present a GP Education Dinner on Thursday, 29 August at Nova on the Grange in Kearns.

Three specialists will give presentations on the latest management and treatment of incontinence.

Urologist Dr Eddy Wong will talk about The Overactive Bladder – Urological Incontinence Update, gastroenterologist Dr Christine Verdon will give a medical perspective on faecal incontinence and colorectal surgeon Dr Assad Zahid will discuss The Role of SNS in Incontinence/Colorectal Surgery.

Registration is at 6.30pm and the presentation will kick off at 7.05pm. 

For catering purposes RSVPs are required by COB on Friday, 23 August to leza.turnbull@acurio.com.au.

You can also call 1300 022 290 or 4610 5997 for more information.

GP Educational Dinner

Black Dog Institute will hold an Advanced Training in Suicide Prevention workshop at the Holiday Inn, Warwick Farm on Saturday, 21 September from 9am to 5pm.

The free event is funded by SWSPHN for GPs and allied health professionals in South Western Sydney.

Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea is included.

The workshop aims to increase health professionals’ skill and confidence in taking a detailed suicide history and developing a collaborative management plan to increase the safety of people planning suicide.

It also provides practical tools for health professionals managing the full spectrum of suicide risk presentations, including the acute suicidal crisis, care after a suicide attempt and assisting families experiencing suicide bereavement.

The workshop is suitable for GP registrars, GPs, multi-disciplinary, psychologists, social workers and other mental health professionals.

It is eligible for one day of funding under the Emergency Medicine component of the Rural Procedural Grants Program.

Accreditation is 7.5 CPD hours for GPs and psychologists, which includes 4.5 hours education activity and 3 hours reviewing performance.

Learning objectives include: undertaking an effective suicide risk assessment; developing a collaborative safety plan; implementing a team approach to treatment planning; providing effective management following a suicide attempt; and responding to the needs of people bereaved by suicide.

Find out more

As an employer in the medical services industry, you must meet your payroll tax obligations.

On the 18 June, as part of the 2024-2025 State Budget, the NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey announced the Revenue Legislation Amendment Bill 2024, which amends the Payroll Tax (medical centres) to include the Bulk Billing Support Initiative, and states medical centres paying wages to contractor GPs will receive payroll tax relief:

• for unpaid payroll liabilities prior to 4 September 2024, an exemption from payroll tax
• from 4 September 2024, a rebate for payroll tax on wages on contractor GPs if the medical centre meets certain bulk billing thresholds:
  • at least 80 per cent of services if located in metropolitan Sydney
  • at least 70 per cent of services if located elsewhere

Read more about payroll tax treatment for medical services (including additional exemptions for contractors).

You can also see the annual tax-free threshold and tax rates here. Practices are encouraged to review their arrangements with contractors and (in particular, their medical practitioners) and seek professional advice on their current arrangements and potential alternatives.

Please note, SWSPHN cannot offer any advice regarding this matter.

Expressions of Interest (EOI) are invited from capable medical and dental centre service providers interested in fitting out, leasing and operating a medical and dental premises at Oran Park.

The site is within a bulky goods complex located to the northwest of the Oran Park town centre and close to the ambulance station, fire station and The Northern Road.

For more information or to obtain an EOI package, please contact leeshean.ng@greenfields.net.au or call 9043 7500.

EOIs must be received by Tuesday, 13 August.

Why Oran Park? Find out more

The Safer Families Centre at The University of Melbourne, has released two new e-learning modules providing evidence-based knowledge and practical skills to engage early with LGBTQA+ people and women with a minority ethnic/racial background experiencing domestic and family violence (DFV).

The Recognising and responding to LGBTQA+ people impacted by DFV module supports primary care providers to identify and respond to LGBTQA+ people who are impacted by DFV and to provide safe, empathic, and effective care.

This module has CPD accreditation through the RACGP for 1 Educational Activities hour and 0.5 Reviewing Performance hours.

Enrol/learn more

In the Recognising and responding to DFSV experienced by ethnic/racial minority women module, primary care providers will build their understanding of the context and impact of domestic, family, and sexual violence (DFSV) for women of minority ethnic and racial backgrounds.

This module has been accredited through the RACGP for 1.5 hrs EA CPD.

Enrol/learn more

Both modules are free for primary care staff.

The population of South Western Sydney is growing and demand for health services is rising. By 2032, there will be 1,445,865 people living in the region. We know there will be some challenges that come with a growing population.  

This round of local health forums focused on the healthcare staff and health services that support the region. We wanted to know how we should work with healthcare providers and health services to better support our community. 

These discussions formed the basis for the findings report, which highlights the key priorities for our region and informs activities moving forward. 

View findings report 

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