The Division has been unable employ a GP locum to service the general practices throughout the region due to the shortage of suitably qualified GPs wanting to work in the area. To assist general practices the Division endeavours to put them in contact with private GP locums and then provides each practice that uses a GP locum with a subsidy based on the number of sessions conducted. The Division considers that the locum subsidy is the next best method of helping GPs to take necessary leave during the year.
