Demand for employment in this sector in this region increased by 23.1% in the census period 2001 to 2006. The establishment of Mount Gambier Hospital as one of four major regional hospitals in South Australia, an aging community, child care needs, growth in community and home based services, and higher expectations and possibilities for health care have all contributed to this increase.

At a national level, forecasts for employment growth in this sector are very strong, averaging 3.4% per annum for the period from 1998 to 2008. Child care services, hospitals, nursing homes and community care services areas are projected to have strongest growth. These projections do not take the current global economic crisis into account.

Key employment in this sector in the region is in hospitals, medical and other health care services, residential care and social assistance.

This industry has 53.6% of its workforce aged 45 years and over
84.8% of its workforce is female.
43.6% of the workforce is in full time work.
The majority of health and community services enterprises within the region have less than 20 employees.

Likely future workforce picture:

• Growth in demand, particularly in the southern part of the region leading to the need for a greater number of skilled workers.
• Increased issues around succession planning and skills development for the workforce.
Based on increased demand from 2001 to 2006, approximately 600 additional jobs is a reasonable target for this sector in the next 5 years.

For more information about employment in this sector:

Limestone Coast Division of General Practice

South Australian Government's Department of Health

Career Development Centre - Health Careers