Attract, Connect, Stay project to address health worker shortage

The Narrabri local government area (LGA) is one of three shires in North-West NSW participating in the Attract, Connect, Stay research project.

The new initiative is set to address health workforce shortages in the region.

A recent workshop informed local stakeholders about the aim of the project, while gauging interest surrounding its implementation here.

Narrabri Shire Council mayor Ron Campbell explained that – following the workshop – his team worked alongside relevant health service and community stakeholders to develop an expression of interest to nominate the local area for the project.

Cr Campbell said that Dr Cosgrove, along with researchers Dr Malatzky, Dr Waller, Dr Boyce and Dr Moran, started the two-year pilot project to build community support.

The team hope their work will help to establish, fund and manage a health workforce recruiter and connector position.

“Once appointed, the health workforce recruiter and connector will then build networks to successfully attract suitable health professionals to the area,” Dr Cosgrove explained.

“They will also provide support to new recruits and their families, including assistance with employment opportunities for partners.”

Cr Campbell said community members – including local government, business and health service representatives – will now work closely with Dr Cosgrove through a series of co-design learning workshops to each establish a health workforce recruiter and connector position.

While working with the three LGA participants, the research team intends to develop a suite of resources that will be used to inform and assist other rural areas to create and sustain their own health workforce recruiter and connector position.

The health workforce recruiter and connector model was originally developed 10 years ago in Canada, with a somewhat similar model being implemented in Greater Shepparton, Victoria, recently.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for the Narrabri community, and I welcome our involvement in this initiative,” Cr Campbell said.

“Narrabri Shire Council encourages any health services or other relevant stakeholders to support this exciting initiative.

“The aim is to successfully fill the position by the end of 2021.”