In the remote Northern Territory community of Mutitjulu, general practitioners Alan Kerr, Andrew Boyden and Tony Ferris have introduced a job-sharing arrangement, bringing much-needed healthcare stability to the community.
What initially began as a temporary arrangement between the doctors, has now evolved into a successful long-term solution. Each doctor spends one month at a time in Mutitjulu before returning to their home town, coordinating with the clinic to ensure continuous health care for the community.
Reflecting on the benefits of this model, Alan says, “This job-sharing arrangement allows me to provide the best care I can while also balancing my professional and personal life.”
“We also bring different skillsets to the table, which means we can meet the diverse needs of the community in various ways.”
Both Alan and Tony highlight how the arrangement not only benefits them but also enhances patient care.Â
“I return to work feeling like I can provide better care,” says Tony. “Having time at home allows me to come back refreshed and ready to fully support the community.”
Though not stationed in Mutitjulu full-time, Tony has still been able to develop strong relationships and trust within the community.
“Building relationships with patients is crucial. While it has taken me little longer, I feel I’ve been able to do that, even with the rotational schedule,” Tony says.
Retaining healthcare staff in remote regions of the Territory has always been a challenge. The job-sharing model offers a promising alternative to traditional full-time roles by creating a more sustainable work environment. It ensures essential care is always available for the remote communities that need it most.
Contact our Health Workforce team if you’re interested in discussing what’s available in the Northern Territory.
