Testimonial
Before working with Nellers, we had explored various options without success in finding consultants who grasped our requirements. However, Nellers demonstrated a clear understanding of the assignment from our initial conversation. They established and adhered to project timeframes, and communication throughout was excellent. At the project completion, we not only obtained the necessary information but also gained additional insights to inform our internal decision-making. The team of experts assembled by Nellers for this activity was perfect. I would recommend engaging Nellers and look forward to collaborating with them again in the future.
Lauren Lester
Workforce Consultant
PHN Rural Workforce Agency
Nellers recently had the privilege of collaborating with the dedicated and passionate team at the Northern Territory Primary Health Network (NT PHN), who are committed to meeting the needs and priorities of Northern Territorians to improve health outcomes in primary health care across the Northern Territory.
Unlike other PHNs, the NT PHN is unique in that it also serves as the NT's Rural Workforce Agency (RWA), which supports the recruitment, development, and retention of primary health care workers across the NT, with a particular focus on supporting primary healthcare shortages in rural and remote communities.
An opportunity arises: Rural Workforce Nursing Agency
Key advocacy groups have reported extensively on nursing workforce shortages as one of the most significant challenges for rural and remote communities across the health sector (see, for example, Rural Health Network Alliance: An Innovative Solution to Remote Workforce Shortages, March 2023).
In light of these challenges, the NT PHN identified a unique opportunity to explore a novel strategic approach to support the growing need for rural nursing support in the Northern Territory. This led the RWA arm of NT PHN to seek advice on what a nursing agency model would look like to support the delivery of remote nursing services.
What the RWA sought to understand
- What nursing workforce agency model(s) are available to address rural nursing shortages;
- The market, employment, clinical, and other regulatory implications of such model(s);
- The strengths and weaknesses of each model and key strategic considerations; and
- Most importantly – how the RWA could continue to best help Territorians access much-needed primary health care.
Nellers assembled and managed a multi-disciplinary team of human resources, industrial relations, employment law, clinical, tax, and insurance advisory specialists to develop solutions and advice tailored to meet the RWA's needs.
The solution: how Nellers helped the RWA
Nellers appointed an internal project management specialist and industrial relations expert to support the project delivery, and worked closely with the RWA's experienced risk, governance, payroll and HR teams to ensure that the solutions and advice being provided were tailored to address the RWA's specific needs.
This all culminated in seven (7) key recommendations and five (5) business structure options which were presented to key stakeholders, and outlined in a detailed findings report, including:
- A detailed nursing market analysis (market size, trends, pricing & costs);
- A labour hire business model (including regulatory impacts & different strategic options);
- Employment & industrial relations advice (both state and Federal, and upcoming changes);
- Workplace health & safety considerations (including for both host employers & PCBUs);
- Clinical considerations (governance, credentialling, and AHPRA obligations); and
- Tax & insurance considerations & recommendations.