DHF Annual Report 2009 - NT Health Digital Library - Northern ...

OverviewThis reporting period was characterised by the need to balance continuous improvementof our regular ‘people’ business whilst participating in national reform conversations andprojects.The Northern Territory workforce groups were represented on all Council of AustralianGovernment (COAG) workforce development projects and participated in the consultationprocesses for the Hospital and Health Reform Commission’s work. The next reporting periodshould see the fruition of this work.Preparation for the implementation of the National Registration and Accreditation Schemefor the health professions demanded a huge commitment by the Department in time, effortand resources. Everyone involved in the process of stakeholder consultation, developing Northern Territory would be in a position to participate in this momentous health workforcereform. The National Scheme commenced in the Territory on 1 July 2010, covering 10health professions: medical, nursing and midwifery, pharmacy, physiotherapy, dental(Dentists, Dental Prosthetists, Dental Therapists, Dental Hygienists), psychology, optometry,osteopathy, chiropractic and podiatry. Four more professions are scheduled to join thepractice, Chinese medicine, medical radiation practice and occupational therapy.The Department received national recognition for its Strategic Workforce Plan andAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategic Workforce Plan in October 2009 by winningthe inaugural award for “Policy Innovation” at the Community Services and Health IndustrySkills Council’s National Accolades for Excellence. The uniqueness of these plans is thattogether they not only identify the skills shortage gaps and future workforce requirementsfor the Territory, they also provide practical strategies to support current employees andachieve the future workforce the Territory needs. They are designed to motivate and inspireall areas of the Department to become involved in caring and planning for our workforce.Both plans will continue to drive the strategic workforce agenda across the Department andwill evolve to address future heath service needs.The plans focus on attraction, recruitment, development and retention strategies that willin this reporting period and will continue into the next. Work on new ways to create a and other Apprentice programs implemented. Partnerships with academic institutions sawcreative models for post graduate learning in skill shortage areas like midwifery, renal andNurse Practitioners. New partnerships were developed for undergraduate programs suchas science and medicine.Our work on development opportunities for employees is bearing fruit with 560 activities onour calendar,15 811 registrations and $5.4 million expenditure on training and development activities.The achievements of this reporting period were a balance between the ordinary and theextraordinary through the commitment of a dedicated and enthusiastic workforce.66Department Health and Families