NEW GP EMPLOYMENT MODEL WELCOMED

Monday, 9 March 2020​ 

The Member for Cootamundra has welcomed the new employment model for GPs undertaking rural training announced by the Minister for Regional Health Mark Coulton.

The new model means trainee rural generalist doctors in the Murrumbidgee region can now work in private practices and local hospitals. The program will enable greater sharing of resources between the NSW Government and the Commonwealth.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the change will be an enticing opportunity for new doctors to work in the region. 

“This is something I have been fighting for since I was elected in 2017 and I am so pleased the NSW Government and the Commonwealth have come together to make this scheme happen,” Ms Cooke said. 

“This ‘Murrumbidgee Model’ is a win-win for both our communities and newly-qualified doctors. We will get the benefits of having doctors living and working in our regional areas for longer, and these doctors get the security of longer-term employment, while still getting the same training opportunities.

“We must do everything we can to ensure the best medical services are available to our rural and regional communities, and I look forward to this model enticing more doctors to our region for longer.” 

The new system will maintain employment conditions for doctors as they move between rural hospitals and primary care settings and increased job security for trainee doctors.