P.O.Box 433
Nedlands
Western Australia 6909
10 Stirling Highway
Nedlands
Western Australia 6009
Female GPs
Rural Health West addresses the concerns of female rural doctors through a forum at all its major conferences and events. This provides an opportunity for female doctors to get together and share their ideas, problems and solutions in a relaxed social setting.
The forum also allows Rural Health West to identify key areas in which action is required and to formulate strategies to assist. Various doctors have requested support in specific areas: eg negotiating with shires, employers and regional specialists; provision of child care at educational events; accessing support for male spouses. Rural Health West has provided advice, support and information whenever possible, through the Rural Medical Family Network.
Future initiatives being considered by Rural Health West include establishing a facility for female doctors to have access to trained negotiators to assist them with various situations such as negotiating housing or terms and conditions. Rural Shires and other bodies interested in supporting rural doctors are also able to access the expertise and experience of this agency in establishing relevant support to recruit and retain rural doctors.
A contact person (Dr Olga Ward) is available at Rural Health West to talk through issues with female doctors and if necessary, put them in touch with the relevant resource or agency.
Critical incident debriefing is available via the RMFN Telephone Counselling Service.
For more information email Dr Olga Ward, or telephone Rural Health West on (08) 6389 4500.
