The Marshall Liberal Government is recruiting more doctors, pharmacists and allied and scientific health professionals to bolster South Australia’s public health workforce as part of the COVID-19 pandemic response.

Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade said recruiting extra health professionals will ensure hospitals, health sites, aged care facilities and dedicated COVID-19 clinics have the skilled workforce required to manage an increased demand on the health system.

“These new recruits will form a vital part of our frontline team, supporting our current workforce during this unprecedented public health response,” Minister Wade said.

“So far South Australia has proven remarkably resilient to this global pandemic, but we will not be complacent – we are acting now to ensure we are ready to meet any scenario.

“By fast-tracking recruitment in key medical, allied and scientific health roles, we are increasing our capacity to meet COVID-19 demand while continuing to safeguard our most vulnerable patients during this challenging time.”

The recruitment will help support hospital avoidance strategies. Allied health support can help people maintain their health in the community – podiatry care, for example, reduces the risk of hospitalisation for foot infections.

The recruitment drive is seeking:
• medical officers
• pharmacists and pharmacy assistants and pharmacy students
• physiotherapists
• social workers and psychologists
• occupational therapists
• speech pathologists
• podiatrists
• dietitians
• medical imaging professionals, medical scientists, allied health assistants and laboratory technicians.

“This recruitment drive will source a pool of skilled health professionals, including those who have recently retired, that can be drawn upon as the need arises during the COVID-19 pandemic,” SA Health CEO Chris McGowan said.

“We are acting now to ensure South Australia maintains our world class healthcare system and protects our community from the worst of this global pandemic.

“I urge all doctors, pharmacists and allied health professionals not currently working in the public health system to consider applying – this is an exceptional opportunity to make a real difference in our community.”

Appointments may be sessional, casual, fixed term – part time, and fixed term – full time, to provide flexibility in responding appropriately to the evolving situation of this public health emergency and the impacts it may have on our workforce. Flexibility in hours can be negotiated.

For more information on the recruitment pools – including nursing and midwifery as announced on 25 March – and how to apply, visit www.sahealthcareers.com.au.

For the latest information on COVID-19 in South Australia, visit the SA Health website at www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/COVID2019 or phone the SA COVID-19 Information Line on 1800 253 787.