Working In Paradise: Norfolk Island recruitment

Dr Alexander John with his family on Norfolk Island.

WORKING IN PARADISE

Norfolk Island recruitment

Marketed as offering 360 degrees of wonder and described by Captain James Cook in his journal as “paradise”, Norfolk Island offers prospective GPs a fantastic work-life balance with a short commute to work, picturesque outlook and an active, welcoming community in which to live and raise a family.

Yet, despite its many benefits as a lucrative place of employment, securing permanent GPs to the island is challenging.

Norfolk Island is a region 7 under the federal Modified Monash Model (MMM) geographical classification system for medical services. An isolated and remote location, RDN’s Health Workforce Needs Assessment (HWNA) identified Norfolk Island as a priority area for a GP service.

Attracting locum GPs to Norfolk Island isn’t impossible. However, finding someone who understands island life, is prepared to live remotely long-term and focus on the primary healthcare needs of a close-knit community of just over 2,000 people is more challenging.

In December 2017, following a lengthy recruitment process working closely with multiple stakeholders and prospective employees, Dr Alexander John accepted the position of GP for the Norfolk Island Health and Residential Aged Care Service (NIHRACS), a multipurpose service (MPS) offering acute care, emergency services, aged care and a general practice.

RDN collaborated closely with the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development, the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, the Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network and NIHRACS to successfully recruit Dr John.

At the time, Dr John was living and working on Flinders Island, considering multiple employment offers and prioritising the happiness, education and lifestyle of his wife and three daughters. RDN facilitated a practice visit for Dr John to Norfolk, arranged a school visit for his family, suggested suitable accommodation, workshopped issues of concern and negotiated the contract with relevant stakeholders.

After Dr John accepted the role, RDN staff offered him advice and support to help him transition into his new position, including facilitating conversations between Dr John and relevant stakeholders regarding his needs and long-term support.

"The focus here is on patient outcomes and not on generating income."

Dr John has welcomed the opportunity to make a difference to the Norfolk Island community.

“Working on Norfolk gives me the chance to experience fascinating cradle to grave medicine, where it is possible to make a genuine difference to individual lives and the broader local community,” Dr John said.

“The focus here is on patient outcomes and not on generating income,” he said.

Dr John has also praised the work-life balance he now has.

“I am afforded a relaxed pace of life. We leave our house and car unlocked and people put fruit on the front seat of my unlocked car. It’s the opposite to stealing from someone’s car!

“There is world-class snorkelling, uncrowded pristine beaches, great surf, outrigging, walking trails, culture and team sport opportunities for the children.

“I was reflecting on the situation and it struck me that [my family and I] would not be here on this beautiful island without [RDN’s] intervention.

“The girls were splashing in the water and have made friends with local kids – the whole community is so accepting!”

RDN is extremely proud to have worked with four organisations to successfully recruit Dr Alexander John for NIHRACS. In less than a year, Dr John has made a positive impact on the health of the Norfolk Island community by being a highly-motivated, engaged, enthusiastic and passionate practitioner. Dr John provides excellent holistic care that is delivering better patient care and improved patient outcomes.