When healthcare professionals in remote communities need to take essential time for annual leave or Continuing Professional Development (CPD), maintaining seamless patient care can become a challenge. For Wurli Wurlinjang Health Service, located in Katherine, NT, finding the right locum support was critical to ensuring uninterrupted care for their community.

In South Australia’s mid-north, Burra is known for its rich mining history and warm rural community. But like many regional healthcare services, Burra Multi-Purpose Service (MPS) has long faced persistent staffing shortages.

In the dynamic and demanding environment of healthcare, ensuring continuous and high-quality service is paramount. This is where Rural LAP can step in to assist.

Kim Murphy is a proud Rural LAP locum, joining the program in 2022, sporadically fulfilling contracts while on break from working at her local hospital in Alexandra, Victoria. 

Peter Ryan’s journey in the world of pharmacy has taken him from the bustling streets of the capital cities to the remote corners of Australia’s Outback.

Mutkin Residential and Community Care is a not-for-profit, community-controlled organisation in Yarrabah, QLD. The facility was introduced to Rural LAP by chance in April of 2023 when a member from the Department of Health shared information on Rural LAP as a recommendation to assist with staff shortages.

Meet Stephanie Pierce, a Registered Nurse from New Zealand who joined Rural LAP over a year ago. Since joining the program, Stephanie has travelled to placements across Queensland, Tasmania, and South Australia, with Tasmania stealing her heart as it felt like a home away from home.

The Federally funded Rural Locum Assistance Program (Rural LAP) has placed its 10,000th health professional since the program began in 2011.

In the ever-changing healthcare landscape, the locum role has become increasingly vital, particularly in rural and remote areas where access to medical professionals can be challenging. 

Being a locum pharmacist allowed Swee-Wan Carpenter to indulge in her love for travel while exploring the vast landscapes of Australia.