A leading economist has predicted there’ll be a rise in Health Professionals operating under larger business banners in response to increased demand in the Health and Community Services Industries. 

Dr. Kim Houghton, Director of Strategic Economic Solutions – an economist with over 30 years’ experience says the number of job vacancies in the Health and Community Services Industries has tripled in the last 10 years and while regional areas like the South Coast once had more people than jobs, the opposite is now the case: 

“We’ve seen a very big shift take place in a relatively short amount of time.” 

“Agriculture and Tourism were two of the largest industries on the South Coast and now we are seeing the Health/Community Services sector take over in representing the largest portion of the employment market.” 

“Surveys have found that health professionals want to provide a service to their community without worrying about the operational aspects of running a business.” 

“I think we’ll see an expansion of the model where Allied Health Professionals are embedded in small markets operating under a broader business banner.” 

“These are long term, well paid roles in industries that aren’t showing signs of slowing any time soon.” Added Dr Houghton. 

The findings mirror the situation on the ground within the South Coast.  

Businesses like Shoalhaven Occupational Therapy, who have experienced enormous growth in the 4 years since their inception are now offering ‘Shoalhaven Allied Health’ – a business platform for independent Allied Health Professionals to operate under. 

Business Manager Nathan Carson says it’s a win-win: 

“We have established a successful and sustainable business model that meets effective governance requirements and frees up health professionals to do what they do best – focus on delivering clinical care.” 

“There is significant unmet demand in our community and this is one way we can reduce growing waiting lists,” he added.