The new initiative from Clutha Health First (CHF) came to light as part of South Otago economic development agency Clutha Development’s quarterly report to the Clutha District Council’s corporate and property committee meeting last week.
Clutha Development chief executive Linda Moore said the agency would work with the Balclutha facility to produce a "Clutha Live and Work" video, promoting CHF as a rural health practice and highlighting the district as a "great place to live and work".
CHF chief executive Sharon Mason said the use of a promotional video to attract staff was a method that had worked well for her in previous organisations.
"We’re competing for medical staff in a really challenging marketplace.
"Having an easy-to-link online video illustrating our points of difference as an employer, facility and place to live and work gives us an advantage when we go out to advertise, or to recruitment agencies."
The video would profile and interview current staff, tour the facility and profile highlights of the surrounding district, Mrs Mason said.
"The first thing you do if you’re considering moving for a new job is google the place.
"If we can show people our modern, contemporary facility; talented staff; modern, quality housing; and the attractive, outdoor lifestyle on offer here, that can only be a good thing."
In February, CHF temporarily closed its inpatient facility due to staff shortages and sickness.
At present, several roles remain to be filled at the facility, which provides a mixture of GP and hospital care.
"We’re still looking for a medical officer, and have two GP vacancies and a nurse practitioner vacancy to fill.
"In common with many other parts of the health system, we’re also seeing nursing staff moving to other roles elsewhere in New Zealand and Australia."
The facility remained committed to providing high quality medical service to locals, she said.
A date for the video release was yet to be confirmed.
