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LOCUM doctors are working with Edenhope and District Memorial Hospital while the organisation works to secure a second doctor.
General services manager Andrew Saunders the hospital was looking for a new general practitioner because one of its two doctors was retiring.
The hospital is also working to fill other role vacancies including a director of nursing, a primary health manager and associate nurse unit managers and hotel services staff.
Mr Saunders said it seemed to be difficult across the board for health services in the region to attract staff, including GPs, primary care staff, nurses and other professionals.
“We get fantastic support from the Department of Health and Human Services, but I think it's an issue across the whole state,” he said.
"We are all looking for staff and trying to recruit, so we're up against each other.
“I think it's getting harder to get the message out that there is work available in the country and that we offer fantastic facilities and conditions.
“I know we have Facebook and so many other tools, but getting the message to the right person is the challenge.
“I'm sure there are people in city areas who are looking for a sea change and would like to be somewhere quiet, where you don't have to wait for a parking spot, and you can walk straight into a shop and be served – all those beautiful things about living in a small country town that we know and appreciate.
“We need to get the message to those people.”
Mr Saunders said the hospital had taken part in the Regional Victoria Living Expo, designed to provide Melbourne residents and businesses with information about relocating to rural and regional Vitoria, including job and career opportunities.
The expo ran from 2012 to 2015.
“We did take part in that and, whilst it gave us exposure, again it's that same situation of, 'Are the right people going to these events and hearing our messages?'” Mr Saunders said.
“That is something we're working on; people don't know what they don't know.”
Mr Saunders said the hospital was working hard with the community to ensure it could provide all the medical and GP services possible, and find a second doctor.
“In the meantime to cover the nurse unit manager roles we have many highly skilled registered nurses that are taking this opportunity to step up and work in the associate nurse unit manager role,” he said.
“On a positive note we have been fortunate to recruit six registered nurses, who commenced early in February.”