We’ve all heard the quote from Albert Einstein: “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.” Well finally, we are in a position to welcome a new approach.
I was overjoyed to be included in a meeting that was attended by Lisa Davies-Jones, Chief Executive, Mackay HHS, Karin Barron, Executive Director Mackay, NQPHN, Terry Johnson, Executive Director Mental Health, Public Health & Rural Services, Mackay HHS, Jan Faulconbridge, Clermont Director of Nursing/ Facility Manager, Mackay HHS, Dr. Sarah McLay, Practice Owner/ GP, Clermont Country Practice, Sandra Corfield, Practice Manager, Clermont Doctors surgery, and members from the Clermont4Doctors committee. This was the first of many meetings to come regarding the health care needs of our community.
What makes this so exciting, is that this is the first time representatives from government departments both state and federal, local providers and community have been invited to discuss barriers and more importantly opportunities to move Clermont out of the healthcare workforce crisis we continue to find ourselves in. I have heard the term “talkfest” used to describe the meeting and can understand the hesitation to believe outcomes will follow. However, for the first time, we have the right people who are decision makers, talking with ALL local providers, with the right motivations – what is best for the Clermont community. This time around, we also have additional financial and on the ground support from the Clermont4Doctors project.
These conversations can only progress through the building of trusted relationships, sound and realistic expectations from all participants including the community, and of course, respect. Clermont4Doctors intends on doing everything possible to ensure all parties remain committed to the process with community outcomes at the forefront.
