Friday, 24 April 2020 15:35

More support for rural general practices

Written by  Staff Reporters
Dalton Kelly. Dalton Kelly.

The New Zealand Rural General Practice Network says it has brokered an agreement with the Ministry of Health to extend locum support.

It says this will keep vulnerable rural general practices operating as they come under mounting pressure as a result of COVID-19.

NZRGPN chief executive, Dalton Kelly said with many surgeries cancelled and urban clinics running significantly reduced services, there are urban healthcare professionals with insufficient work. At the same time, the chronic shortage of healthcare professionals in rural communities remains exacerbated by COVID-19.

“Many of New Zealand’s rural practices rely on a small number of healthcare professionals and that number is dropping every year. Rural practices are increasingly reliant on short-term, contract and international health workers.

Kelly says he is delighted that the ministry had so quickly acknowledged the opportunity to provide support for vulnerable rural practices.

He says the agreement with the ministry is to fund locums into rural communities for a broad range of healthcare staff, including GPs, nurses, nurse practitioners and practice managers. There may also be room for administrative locum support if there is a need.

“This agreement is a positive step that will enable us to better support the rural health workforce during a time of great need. It will help prevent burnout of key healthcare workers, protect their mental wellbeing and enable practices to continue serving their communities.

Dalston says he will be emailing every rural general practice in New Zealand inviting them to let NZRGPN know if they need healthcare support.

Any rural practices needing additional locum support should contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 0800 695 628.

More like this

Sorry, not sorry

OPINION: Did former PM Jacinda Ardern get fawning reviews for her book?

Every exhibitor with something valuable to offer for farmers

OPINION: Welcome to the second annual NZ Dairy Expo at Matamata – an event created to bring together the best of the New Zealand dairy industry in a focused, grassroots environment where dairy farmers and rural professionals can meet, talk, compare products, and make smart decisions for their farms.

RSE workers get immunised

Over 1,000 Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) workers in the Hawke’s Bay have now been immunised against measles.

Featured

Farmstrong marks 10 years of rural support

Nationwide rural wellbeing programme, Farmstrong recently celebrated its tenth birthday at Fieldays with an event attended by ambassador Sam Whitelock, Farmers Mutual Group (FMG), Farmstrong partners, and government Ministers.

National

Machinery & Products

Calf feeding boost

Advantage Plastics says it is revolutionising calf meal storage and handling, making farm life easier, safer, and more efficient this…

JD's precision essentials

Farmers across New Zealand are renowned for their productivity and efficiency, always wanting to do more with less, while getting…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Don't hold back!

OPINION: ACT MP Mark Cameron isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but he certainly calls it how he sees it, holding…

Sorry, not sorry

OPINION: Did former PM Jacinda Ardern get fawning reviews for her book?

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter