Hanging on to our ageing workforce now!

University Centre for Rural Health

Research Seminar Funded by ARHRC

Thursday, 26 April 2012 @ 4.00pm – 5.00pm

Lecture Theatre, University Centre for Rural Health, North Coast (UCRH),

61 Uralba St, Lismore (opposite Lismore Base Hospital) or via video-conference (see below)

Rural GPs views and solutions about staying in the workforce

Discover the greatest challenges in the Training Industry

Dr. Sabrina Pit

Dr. Sabrina Pit is a NHMRC Research Fellow. She holds a PhD in Health Behaviour (University of Newcastle), a Master of Science Degree in Household & Consumer Sciences (The Netherlands) and a Diploma in Frontline Management. Her research interests include work ability and how to keep our ageing workforce healthy and happy. She is passionate about learning from the wisdom of our elders and encouraging others to do the same.

General Practice: The rural general practice workforce is ageing. General practitioners (GPs) are increasingly working part-time and there is a growing shortage of GPs in rural areas.

We will discuss preliminary results and the feasibility of using standardised tools to assess ‘work ability’, burnout, work satisfaction, quality of life and lifestyle amongst ageing rural GPs. To further explore these issues, interview were conducted with 18 GPs to look at current retirement pathways, their reasons for staying, and their perceptions of what hinders or encourages them to keep working and what they see as solutions.

Training Industry: An industry survey was conducted among private and public training organisations at a national training industry conference. We will discuss the biggest challenges faced by the industry in relation to older workers and the impact of older workers leaving training organisations.

Please come and share your views. A beautiful Aboriginal Art Painting painted by a local Elder will be on display to spread the message about learning from the wisdom of our elders.

To attend a seminar or organise video-conferencing throughout regional and rural NSW

please contact Kelly Dymand at least one week ahead – email Kelly.dymand@ucrh.edu.au or 02 6620 7245 for availability in your area.