You’re not alone – and there ARE solutions.
I’ve been having some fascinating conversations lately with rural health leaders, community coordinators, and PHN managers about workforce challenges – and more importantly, about practical solutions.
“What Cath has developed takes the guesswork out of the rural workforce challenge.”
– Dr Cindy Dennis, Kangaroo Island, SA
Here’s what’s got me excited:
The organisations I’m working with aren’t just implementing cookie-cutter programs – they want to be guided by evidence and proven approaches. We are working together finding creative ways to blend ACS (Attract Connect Stay) online programs (available on the website) with targeted face-to-face delivery from me (Dr Cath Cosgrave) to support workforce strengthening, matching their actual budgets and contexts. Some are accessing philanthropic grants, others national or state rural health workforce funding, some are discovering PHN opportunities they didn’t know existed, and others are implementing strategies through direct investment.
Working together with past clients to tailor unique ACS approaches has delivered impressive results: Take Thrive Medical in Broken Hill – eight months after implementation of the ACS Framework approach, they’ve moved from 80% locum dependency to permanent GPs, gained RACGP accreditation for registrar supervision, and became finalists in 5 prestigious awards including Rural/Remote Health Employer of the Year.
Or Western District Health Service (Southern Grampians) – also implemented the ACS Framework approach and established a Community Connector Program with local Community Connector Karley – 66 workers settled over 24 months with 95% retention, and 75% of these moved with families.
But here’s the thing – every organisation and community is different. Your challenges, your budget, your existing strengths, your available funding opportunities… they’re all unique to your situation.
That’s why I’m offering something simple: a 30-minute conversation.
No pitch. No pressure. Just an honest chat about:
- What grant opportunities might be available in your area
- How other organisations with similar challenges have found solutions
- What a tailored ACS approach might look like for your context
- How members of the community can support workforce strengthening & support retention of newcomers
- Whether there’s a fit between what you need and what I can offer
Whether you’re leading a rural health service, coordinating community workforce initiatives, or managing HR in a challenging location, I’d love to explore what’s actually possible for your situation.
Ready for that conversation? Hit book a call below and I’ll share how similar organisations have tackled their biggest workforce challenges.
Looking forward to hearing from you, Cath
P.S. I’m currently working with a number of organisations on quotes that range from fully online support to comprehensive face-to-face programs. The flexibility is the point – let’s find what works for your organisation and community.
