No single fix to declining rural health workforce
The director of Otago University’s new virtual Centre for Rural Health says there’s no one, single fix to the burgeoning staffing crisis facing the sector.
Webber – described as a ‘stalwart advocate’ in his roles – is a rural health clinical director at Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network as well as a rural medicine hospital specialist in Taupō Hospital, where he has worked since 2016.
His passion for rural life stems from his farming childhood where he grew up in the Manawatū and Whangārei.
He was inspired to pursue a career in rural health after working in a remote Aboriginal community in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, where GPs ran the local hospital.
Webber’s dedication to improving health equity is reflected by his impact at Hauora Taiwhenua as clinical director rural health. He also represents rural general practice on many Ministry of Health taskforces and panels.
As the first Rural Hospital Medicine graduate of the Division of Rural Hospital Medicine training programme, Webber is enthusiastic about the education and training of rural medicine and growing a robust future rural health workforce.
“I am humbled to be recognised in this way, particularly as the work I do has strength only due to the mahi of my colleagues in rural practice,” he said in a speech after being presented his award.
Webber also recently contributed to the advocacy efforts of the team at Hauora Taiwhenua by presenting at the Pae Ora Healthy Futures Bill Select Committee hearing. This resulted in the recent inclusion of rural communities as a priority population in the Pae Ora legislation and the development of a rural health strategy presented to Te Whatu Ora Health NZ as a basis for their planning for rural health.
Hauora Taiwhenua chief executive Dr Grant Davidson says that one of Webber’s biggest strengths is his ability to engage effectively with a diversity of people – irrespective of age, gender, culture and/or status.
“His natural empathy and genuine concern for people leads to effective relationships being built which enables great outcomes, whether clinical or political.”
Distinguished Fellowship is awarded to GPs or rural hospital doctors who have demonstrated sustained contributions to general practice, medicine or the health and wellbeing of the community. It is one of the highest recognitions that can be given by the college.
This year, Webber was the only rural hospital doctor to receive the award, alongside five other GPs working in various sectors.
