Hunter New England Local Health District has appointed two inaugural medical settlement concierges, as part of an initiative aimed at helping doctors and their families settle when they move into new communities.
The first-of-its-kind program within the District will offer personalised support to newly recruited doctors, including international medical graduates, ensuring a smooth transition into both their professional roles and local communities.
Located in Tamworth and Taree, the concierges will provide individualised support and guidance to the incoming doctors, including sourcing housing, schools, childcare, transportation and sporting clubs.
“This initiative demonstrates our commitment to supporting not just the professional, but also the personal wellbeing of our doctors and their families,” said HNELHD Executive Director Medical Services, Dr Paul Craven.
“Our focus is on creating a welcoming and supportive environment that encourages long-term retention of senior doctors across our region.”
The medical settlement concierges are currently supporting more than 40 interstate and overseas doctors through the recruitment and relocation process, with these doctors expected to arrive in the region in 2025.
Family members will also benefit from assistance in searching for local employment by connecting them with external providers.
To further ease their transition, the concierges will maintain ongoing contact with the doctors, including regular check-ins to ensure they feel welcomed and supported in their new environment.
“We’re excited to welcome more senior doctors to our Hunter New England Local Health District health facilities and are dedicated to making their move as smooth as possible,” said Medical Settlement Concierge, Tamworth, Jody Ekert.
“We’ve already started connecting doctors with local services and organisations, to ensure they feel at home in their new communities from the moment they arrive.”
The creation of the new medical settlement concierge roles is part of a broader suite of initiatives underway to attract and retain senior doctors across HNELHD health facilities, with other measures including overseas recruitment campaigns, subsidies for tertiary studies and incentive packages.
“These medical settlement concierge roles are an innovative solution to help attract and retain top medical talent, particularly in our rural and regional areas,” said Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park.
“With extensive local knowledge and strong community ties, the concierges are well-positioned to assist doctors and their families settle into new towns across the District.
“Recruitment is one of the biggest challenges facing rural and regional hospitals across NSW, and the Minns Labor Government is committed to building a more supported regional health workforce,” he said.
