THE ULTIMATE GUIDE FOR LOCUM DOCTOR IN QUEENSLAND

Here is the ultimate guide for locum doctor in Queensland. Many people holiday and frequently choose to stay on to live in Queensland thanks to the consistently hot tropical weather and famous beaches Australia is so well known for both here and abroad. But It could also be a perfect choice for a locum doctor.

OVERVIEW

This is the second-largest state in the commonwealth by land size and boasts almost 7,000km of coastline. This is the fastest-growing population in Australia. Predominantly due to migration, and with 20% of Australia’s residents now calling it home. The state population is well over 5 million. Most are seniors, this burgeoning group has grown on average more than three times faster than the rest of the population over the last 10 years.

SO WHAT IS SO GREAT ABOUT BEING A LOCUM DOCTOR IN QUEENSLAND?

Not to mention the wonder of the largest coral reef system in the world (Great Barrier Reef) which extends alongside much of the expansive Eastern shores. Due to a large reliance on tourism, the states’ beaches and coastal areas provide excellent services and facilities to cater for this. And this is indeed why many people return to time and again to the state.



Queensland has more to offer than just beaches and aquatic adventures. The further north you venture the more danger that lurks in seemingly beautiful pristine seaside waterways and inlets. So much so that you might choose to venture inland to watering holes, springs, and waterfalls for much-needed relief from the heat. Just watch for the crocodiles in those inland rivers!

16 HOSPITAL AND HEALTH SERVICES

Queensland Health operates the public health services in Queensland state. These are provided through 16 Hospital and Health Services (HHS). Each of them governed by a Hospital and Health Board. These individual organisations are also statutory bodies. Some of those services are also provided by private providers, and these are funded by individuals directly as well as sometimes partly reimbursed through health insurance schemes.



Alphabetically, the 16 jurisdictions are as follows:

CREDENTIALING B45 LOCUM HEALTH AGREEMENT

Much like NSW Health, Queensland Health requires an agreement to be in situ with locum agencies to provide access to employment opportunities. So, if you have your heart set on a particular area ensure that you have an agency that can place you within that Hospital and Health Board.

This is essentially a human resources policy developed by Qld Health. The purpose is to support locum doctors in Queensland and the employment and conditions, contracting, and procurement practices. Needless to say, feel free to have a read of this document. You could familiarise yourself with the policies and requirements in place to help you undertaking this kind of opportunity in the state.

WHAT TYPE OF WORK IS THERE FOR LOCUMS IN QUEENSLAND?

SALARY

As with most of the posts available, the metro centres whilst they have positions available are less well remunerated than the more remote opportunities. Also as is the case the pay and demand increase with the wider the range of qualifications and skillset you might possess.

The benefit of having your agency manage your payment is more flexibility. How you want to receive it, by whatever means, and how frequently. Weekly through fortnightly or even monthly depending on the length of position is common and straightforward. Pay rates are inclusive of super in Queensland. So bear in mind if you’re coming perhaps from NSW where that can differ.

WORK OPPORTUNITIES

Opportunities are frequent and there’s a lot of work available from just a short distance out of the city. And then more the further afield you want to venture. As mentioned, coastal towns and districts are popular spots. But of course, there are plenty of inland positions set in areas of outstanding natural beauty. There’s a lot to see and do in the state. So if you’re looking for a change of scenery and excited by new surroundings, this is definitely an option to be considered.

With almost as many private hospitals as public services in Queensland, private sector opportunities do exist. And we have many relationships to tap into these here. It’s worth noting that if you are contracted to Queensland Health public system at any level, you can’t also do locum shifts in the state at the same time. So there is an option to work within the private sector at the same time. Or any of those in this position choose to travel interstate to be able to locum. Where these rules don’t apply. This includes coming from other states to take holidays with family. Or have a break from the day job by doing locum doctor jobs elsewhere.

TRAVEL & LOGISITICS

As a tourist and seasonal state, locum jobs get more in need over calendar holidays and regular break periods such as Christmas, Easter, and the summer months. Typically anywhere with a distance that requires flying would be needed for usually a minimum of 5-7 days. Other locations that can be accessed by driving for a few hours exist for shorter posts, and up and down the coast. 

ROSTERS

Again a little differently to NSW, the shifts and rosters are usually organised only a week or so before the posting occurs. So it’s unlikely you will have this information before need to lock in your commitment. We do liaise closely with the workforce teams and get a good level of information. And have past experience and responses to use as a benchmark. But it’s just the way the rosters are managed within the departments. So if this is something you are keen to manage, be sure to provide your preferences upfront. So they can attempt to be accommodated as much as possible.

GENERAL HEALTH OF QUEENSLANDERS ADMINISTRATION

Health challenges include overweight and obesity, smoking, alcohol-related consumption. Also co-morbidities with average life expectancies sitting at around age 80 for males and age 84 for females. The top 3 leading risk factors for disease in Queensland include smoking, poor diet, and overweight/obesity. There are also almost 5% indigenous people residing in Queensland. So a focus on supporting their needs through the health system. Increasingly in remote and rural areas will likely play a part in any healthcare professional role required in the state. And expected more so the further into the rural and remote areas and small towns.

The crude hospitalisation rate for Indigenous Queenslanders increased by 51% over a decade. In contrast to a 29% increase for non-Indigenous Queenslanders. If you’re interested in general health statistics and the insights of Queensland’s health in more detail, check out the Chief Health Officer’s report.