Across regional South Australia, a record number of doctors are currently undergoing GP training, supported by an innovative employment model. This initiative is the continuation of efforts by both the state and federal governments to better the state’s health system.
A total of 196 second, third, and fourth-year registrars are committed to their general practice and rural generalist training in regional SA this year, either with SA Health or private employers. A huge increase from the 123 registrars in 2023. The state has also welcomed 41 regional interns this year as part of a record intake, including the Yorke and Northern Local Health Networks for the first time. This number is a staggering 242 per cent increase from 2020.
In hopes of helping these trainee GPs, a major expansion of the Single Employer Model (SEM) is being implemented. This model offers trainees stability in their working locations, income, and employment conditions while making sure patients enjoy more consistent access to primary care. Originally trialled by the Riverland Academy of Clinical Excellence in the Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network (RMCLHN) since 2023, SEM has seen up to 20 generalist trainees at a time and has received positive feedback.
The expanded SEM, now in a four-year trial phase across all regional Local Health Networks, aims to support up to 60 GP and rural generalist trainees. With 57 GP practices currently approved for the new SEM trial and 13 trainees already participating or set to join by August, the model is bringing a better training environment, which may encourage more trainees to build their careers in regional areas.
Under the SEM, trainees are employed by SA Health, moving between private and public placements seamlessly for up to four years, which simplifies their employment significantly.
Chris Picton, Minister for Health & Wellbeing shared, “The Single Employer Model will help to address one of the biggest health workforce issues in regional and remote areas – recruiting and retaining doctors. We have seen how successful the Single Employer Model has been in the Riverland for the past two years, increasing the medical workforce by more than 25 per cent in the region.”
Mark Butler, Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care added, “We want to attract more doctors to regional South Australia and this innovative approach will help to retain the doctors we need to continue to provide essential primary healthcare services to South Australians. We look forward to working collaboratively with the Malinauskas Government to make training and working in rural general practice a more attractive option for young doctors.”
Applications for next year’s intake of SEM trial participants are now open, inviting more trainees to experience the benefits of this stable and integrated training pathway.
Dr Rod Martin, President of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine shared, “The extension of the Riverland Single Employer Model is a positive step towards addressing the workforce challenges facing rural and remote communities in South Australia.
“By allowing registrars to remain within the SA Health system throughout their training, they have the opportunity to not only gain valuable experience but also establish long-term connections with the communities they serve.”
With governance from the RGPSA Steering Committee, these further SEM trials are part of a strategy to improve rural generalist training in South Australia and the medical services in rural and remote areas.
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