Expression of Interest - GP Advisor to the Disaster Emergency Management Team

General practitioners interested in disaster management and working in the Hunter New England and Central Coast area are encouraged to apply for the role of the GP advisor to the PHN disaster management team.

We strongly encourage expressions of interest from people from regional areas, who identify as Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander, or have a culturally and linguistically diverse background.

Rationale

GPs play a vital role in supporting communities before, during and after significant disasters and emergencies and must be involved in disaster management at all levels, including planning, mitigation, response, and recovery. Safeguarding the provision of primary care in disaster affected areas has been proven to take pressure off hospitals.

Overview

The PHN is actively involved in all facets of the disaster management PPRR cycle (Prevention, Preparedness, Response and Recovery). The PHN develops preparedness and training activities to reduce provider vulnerability. During disaster events the PHN liaises with primary care providers affected by the event to ensure that they can respond to and recover from the incident as quickly as possible.

The PHN collaborates with a range of stakeholders incl. the Local Health Districts, Reconstruction Authority NSW, Department of Communities and Justice, councils, and a number of other first responding agencies and health and wellbeing organisations.

The PHN Emergency Register, a register for General Practices interested in assisting the local emergency response can be activated by the LHD to compliment the local response on an in-practice support or an evacuation centre-based support model.

The purpose of the GP advisor to the PHN disaster management team is to provide insights and guidance around the involvement of primary care providers, including general practices in disaster management relevant topics, and to consult with the PHN disaster management team on the design, delivery and review of disaster management relevant activities, including specific areas and projects which align with the PHN’s purpose and wider strategic priorities and challenges.

Commitment

Alongside another GP advisor, the incoming GP advisor will meet with the PHN Disaster and Emergency team for 1 hour every two months.

There may be additional input required, e.g. for attending acute emergency management meetings, presenting at education events, attending conferences, and for reviewing drafts and resources. The number of additional hours can be negotiated at any time.

Remuneration

$150 per hour.

For more information on the PHN disaster management work, please refer to Disaster Management - Primary Health Network (thephn.com.au) or reach out to Ellen Senft esenft@thephn.com.au 0408 530 164.