Professional Development

The Study and Research Scheme (SARAS) - comprises financial support and/or leave assistance for part-time and full-time study or research. The scheme aims to promote organisational and personal development and to assist and encourage officers to undertake work related courses and research.

Rural and remote incentives

In recognition of the unique challenges faced by Queensland Health allied health professionals in rural and remote areas, a number of professional development and enhancement programs are supported. These include:

Professional development incentive package for rural and remote allied health - Permanent allied health professionals are eligible for a professional development incentive package in some rural and remote districts. A capped monetary and leave entitlement can be used with conditions.
The Allied Health Professional Enhancement Program - provides rural and remote allied health professionals with an opportunity to gain knowledge of, and experience in clinical areas relevant to their workplace, opportunities for sharing clinical knowledge, and developing networks beyond geographical boundaries and enhanced service coordination and continuity of care.

Professional development activities include:

an individual or team of Allied Health Professionals from rural, remote or provincial areas may visit another service for up to one week
an allied health professional from a metropolitan area may visit a rural or remote area for up to one week
clinical activity via videoconference
innovative applications such as development of training and resource packages
The Rural Connect Mentor Program - involves an experienced worker supporting two or three less experienced workers focussing on those new to the workforce, new to Queensland Health, or sole and/or isolated practitioners. The program aims to promote communication, enhance service delivery and improve recruitment and retention.
Rural Health Professional Support Program - provides professional support to allied health professionals in rural and remote areas. The program is designed to meet individual as well as organisational goals including improved access to support, improved clinical knowledge and organisational knowledge and practice and improved leadership skills.

Rural Health Training Units run additional workshops, videoconferencing and audioconferencing and other professional development activities.

Other Professional Development Programs

See http://www.health.qld.gov.au/workforus/support.asp

Last updated: 4th May 2006
Last Reviewed: 4th May 2006