Boost for medical recrtuitment in the northern region

Medical recruitment in the northern sector of Hunter New England Health has received a boost with the recent appointment of Dr Peter Gillies as the Northern Director of Medical Services.

General Manager of Tamworth and Armidale Hospitals Fergus Fitzsimons said Dr Gillies will play a critical role in the recruitment and retention of the medical workforce in the northern region.

“Medical recruitment is vital for the future development of our region and requires a collaborative approach from the community,” Mr Fitzsimons said.

“The appointment of Dr Gillies is a big achievement and was very much a joint effort between the Armidale Hospital, the Armidale Dumaresq Shire Council, the Armidale Hospital Medical Staff Council, the New England Division of General Practitioners and the Member for Northern Tablelands Richard Torbay,” Mr Fitzsimons said.

“We are very pleased to have someone with Dr Gillies’ experience and enthusiasm join our team and commit to living in this region.”

With specific responsibility for Armidale Hospital and sites within the McIntyre and Tablelands Clusters Dr Gillies said he looks forward to working within this challenging area.

“I know that there are difficulties recruiting medical professionals particularly to rural areas but I am certainly up for the challenge and the commencement of the Joint Medical School in Armidale next year is a big draw card for this region,” Dr Gillies said.

Although he was born in Scotland, Dr Gillies received his medical education in South Africa and for the past 11 years he has worked in New Zealand.

“Most recently I managed a group of private hospitals in Auckland – but the opportunity to move forward and work within a bigger and more vibrant market in Australia was too good to miss,” Dr Gillies said.

Although he has visited Australia on many occasions over the last decade the move to Armidale gives him the first glimpse of Australian life in rural setting.

“My wife and I are excited about experiencing a rural lifestyle and getting to know the community,” he said.

Photo opportunity: Dr Peter Gillies and the General Manager of Tamworth and Armidale Hospital Fergus Fitzsimons will be available between 10am – 1pm tomorrow, Wednesday 8 August.

Contact: Clare Siddins

Phone: (02) 6767 7137