Dr's to be bonded to rural practices...National Policy

Dr's could be bonded to work 3 or 4 years in a rural practice and get their student debt wiped.

www.stuff.co.nz/4561860a20475.html

I'm not much of a fan for either (or any) political party but this sounds like a good idea.

we have a wonderfull GP who, when we first came to the area had another Dr in with him. He has now been on his own for some time with locums working with him when he can get one. I always worry that the stress and size of his practice will get to be to much when he is on his own, and that he might give up which would be a great loss for the community.

I don't have a problem with that. My first training as an Environmental Health Officer was paid for by my employer (as well as a salary for the year of training) and I was bonded for three years in return. The Ministry of Health bods on the same course were not only bonded, but could be sent anywhere in NZ where there was a need for them during that 3 years, they had no say in it.

This was before student loan days, but I can see it working well for this and perhaps for other occupations in which we are in short supply, eg vets (what's your feeling on this, cowvet?)

I think its the best idea I have heard for a long time from any political party...didnt think any of them were capable of reasonable thought processes! Did they need a weekend retreat at vast cost to come up with that I wonder. Why not extend it to nurses, mental health workers, vets , any profession really that rural areas are struggling in. 3 or 4 years is a small price to pay for someone starting out if it means no huge debts to cope with.

Having worked in the vet industry and knwoing how hard it is to get vets sometimes (even locums) it would be good for vets as well.

I can think of a few other health proffessionals it would be a good idea for as well.

I think the bonding is a great idea but following that, the next step any prudent Government should take would be to stop locums anethesists, specialists etc being able to work as self employed unless they are in a practise. My understanding is that rather than work for the DHB, they are paid huge money to do shifts when the hospitals are short staffed. A well paid full time occupation.

Perhaps then, the rural and not so rural practises could attract and get medical staff to work for them at a reasonable rate. Just a thought.

Why do doctors and other health care workers need be at the mercy of the employer/government just because the public think they need great numbers to treat them. IF folk stopped drinking and smoking then the numbers available would be ample.
AND having seen how management treat the poor philly nurses who are bonded for 2-3 yrs for the private hospitals... Im not so sure that its humane.
I find it very interesting that nurses and doctors are 3rd rate citizens... we mustnt strike.. etc etc. just accept our lot
[I personally have never gone on strike, I find just working to rule or being the proverbial pain the the butt sufficient]
Shope workers/ bankers etc can all shut their doors on the dot of 5pm.. but a nurse or doc and vet are meant to be available for Jo blogg public for when they need us.
AND I do agree that the amount paid the locum system is bad, but why when every other person in self employ is making money cant a doc do it. Laywers seem to make about $500 hr.
Bonding employemnt was here years ago and it didnt work.. like all contracts worth only the paper its written on.. if they want out, they can walk.

I think its a great idea, I can remember when teachers were bonded too.