Released 19/02/2018
The ACT Government is planning for the territory’s future health workforce needs now through a new recruitment campaign that will emphasise the liveability of Canberra, the growing opportunities across the health sector and the buzz around Canberra as a great place to live.
Increase in demand for health services at the Canberra Hospital has grown by 9.5 per cent over 12 months from 2015-16 to 2016-17 and our population continues to grow by more than 6,000 people each year.
New health services like the rehabilitation hospital at the University of Canberra, new Walk-in Centres in Gungahlin, Weston Creek and the Inner North, the expansion of the Centenary Hospital for Women and Children, planning for a new Northside Hospital, investment in the future SPIRE Centre at the Canberra Hospital and a new purpose-built facility for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders mean some of the best jobs in healthcare will be right here in Canberra in coming years.
“Like many Canberrans, I came here nearly 20 years ago, loved it and decided to stay. I know this is a story similar to many people living and working in our beautiful city because the opportunities are incredible,” said Minister for Health and Wellbeing Meegan Fitzharris.
“The ACT Government is always looking to attract new people who are highly skilled to our city, and the health sector is one area we know there are opportunities right now, and into the future.
“Canberra boasts some of the best higher education institutions in the country, with ANU and UC both offering unique research and training options in healthcare – from healthcare training courses to cutting edge genetic and cancer research.
“Recruitment for the new hospital at the University of Canberra has already kicked off, with our broader workforce attraction campaign to be rolled out later this year. The campaign will focus specifically on the opportunities for healthcare professionals available in Canberra, as well as the great lifestyle on offer in our bush capital.”
Minister Fitzharris said the Territory-wide Health Services Framework is now in place and will guide health service delivery for the next ten years with a specific focus on ensuring career satisfaction is high within ACT Health.
“There will be a strong focus on management and leadership training opportunities, supporting clinicians to diversify their skills and take on more senior roles, and improving pathways for students to progress into the ACT Health workforce.
“Attracting and retaining health specialists to Canberra will be a priority to not only help resource our expanding public healthcare sector, but also ensure we tackle some of our biggest challenges when it comes to elective surgery. Specialist areas that will be a focus include ear nose and throat specialists and anaesthetists, as well as psychiatrists,” Minister Fitzharris said.
Minister for Mental Health Shane Rattenbury said recruitment in the mental health space was also essential with the ACT Government’s commitment to expanding mental health services for Canberrans.
“Those of us who live in Canberra know that it’s a fantastic place to live, and the Government is committed to doing all that we can to encourage health professionals to live and work in our city,” Minister Rattenbury said.
“On Friday I launched the 2018 Mental Health Scholarships at Bruce CIT, with 25 scholarships made available to mental health consumers to gain qualifications in the community health sector.
“In addition to ongoing national and international recruitment efforts concerning psychiatrists, we have run a successful recruitment campaign for the expansion of the Dhulwa Mental Health Unit, and have established a psychology registrar program to improve the ability to recruit psychologists,” said Minister Rattenbury.
Dr Vanita Parekh’s story
Dr Vanita Parekh who is the Medical Director for the Clinical Forensic Medical Services at Canberra Hospital moved to Canberra from Scotland back in 1995 and said she loves the lifestyle.
“I moved to Canberra in 1995 to take up a position at the Canberra Hospital and it was the best move I ever made both personally and professionally,” Dr Parekh said.
“Canberra is not only a fantastic place to work but also to live in and raise a family. It is a safe city with lots of public amenities and is surrounded by a beautiful natural environment. We also have a vibrant community and some really great restaurants.
“Professionally, my move to Canberra has also been very worthwhile. My colleagues here at Canberra Hospital and in the health sector more broadly are incredibly supportive and we work in modern, up-to-date health facilities,” said Dr Parekh.
- Statement ends -
Meegan Fitzharris, MLA | Shane Rattenbury, MLA | Media Releases
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