It’s been five weeks since Dr Gifty Abraham took on the role of General Practitioner (GP) at a medical practice in the Hunter.
The former Sydney-based doctor packed up her family and farewelled her former life to lend at hand at what is classified as a rural medical clinic.
Dr Abraham is now based at The Brook Medical Centre in Muswellbrook.
Her recruitment is thanks to a Bush GP Recruitment grant funded by Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network (HNECC PHN).
She is one of four GPs to welcome a move to the Hunter and New England areas in recent weeks, other locations including Armidale, Gunnedah and Taree.
The $25,000 funding, aimed at attracting more GPs to regional areas, is provided to practices to use towards the recruitment and retention of new doctors.
Brook Medical Centre practice manager Kristen Seymour says while it’s been a blessing welcoming Dr Abraham, it’s a small drop in the ocean.
“Anyone who watches the news lately knows most rural areas in Australia are desperate for doctors,” she says.
“Recruitment is something we struggle with on a daily basis, new doctors are non-existent in our areas.
“This will help and we love having Dr Abraham here, but in the big picture so much more needs to be done.”
Ms Seymour says her other concern is keeping GPs in rural areas like Muswellbrook.
“We service the Emergency Department at the hospital from our clinic, which means its 24-7 and not all our doctors can work at the hospital,” she explained.
“Not only does there need to be more done to the system but there needs to be measures in place so the doctors that do come here don’t burn out.”
HNECC PHN CEO Richard Nankervis said the PHN had collaborated with general practice across the region to develop an incentive program aimed at redressing the shortage of general practitioners.
“The grant funding is one of a number of ongoing initiatives aiming to increase our medical and health professional workforce,” he said.
The news comes after Health Minister Mark Butler and the former president of the Australian Medical Association (AMA) Mukesh Haikerwal discussed the shortage of GPs on ABC TV program Q&A on 1 May.
A 2022 report produced by the AMA projected Australia will face a shortage of 10,600 GPs by 2031.
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