The Department of Health is reforming the Bonded Programs to provide greater support for bonded students and doctors.

Bonded doctors play an essential and valued role in helping remote and rural communities access health care services and the NSW Rural Doctors Network (RDN) is committed to providing tailored services to bonded students and doctors, including:

• opportunities to experience living and working in a rural area, including hands-on clinical workshops and social events
• career planning advice for students with a return of service commitment with the Department
• connecting Bonded Program participants to vacancies that will meet their contractual requirements at the end of their training
• relocation grants (for eligible specialties) and other supports to help bonded doctors enjoy their work when they commence.

RDN’s support for bonded doctors who have achieved fellowship and have a return of service obligation in rural NSW (RA2-5), includes:

• working to assess a doctor’s individual needs and identifying strategies to support transition to general practice in rural NSW
• access to the largest database of current GP and GP locum vacancies in NSW
• introducing doctors to the practice that best suits their professional and personal needs
• access to grants for site visits, relocation, Continuing Professional Development and RDN annual conferences for eligible doctors
• a welcome kit when commencing a new role, to connect doctors with information, services and networks
• access to RDN’s Health Workforce Scholarship Program for upskilling.