Attract Connect Stay -

Jane George

Cath’s research about the ways communities can support the recruitment and retention of health staff in rural and remote communities, and her subsequent model ‘Attract, Connect, Stay’ is so valuable.

Her work influenced my own research, exploring the complexities of recruitment and retention of rural allied health professionals in Aotearoa. The sensible, pragmatic and richly evidence based model she offers, coupled with her community development approach more broadly aligned with what I heard in my research, and knew from my communities of practice.

Recognising that we can’t rely only on rural kids becoming rural health professionals, or training people rurally to keep them there, Cath offers additional strands to what we need to weave to strengthen rural health workforces and the communities they serve.

K H

Cath has been so generous with her time and knowledge about the Attract, Connect, Stay Framework. Cath's research is innovative as it provides a whole new way of thinking about rural health workforce. Including the whole community in the process to build the health workforce they need, is a game changer in finding the right people who will add value both as health professionals and community members. Highlighting the influence of place, role, and workplace in successful transitions made a lot a sense, and the need for a whole of community approach is both insightful and aligns with rural ways of living. Our Occupational Therapy Australia, Regional, Rural, and Remote Special Interest Group really enjoyed the presentation, and it has generated a lot of discussion. I look forward to seeing Attract, Connect, Stay makes a difference across Australia.

Wide Bay Kids

The Attract Connect Stay research and framework is what regional and rural communities are in need of. We are struggling to find and keep the right employees for our rural-based health and social care services. Dr. Cath Cosgrave, Australia’s leading rural workforce strengthening specialist has created this evidenced based Attract Connect Stay Framework with tailored strategies for unique community solutions. This valuable research and framework has been the basis for our Welcome to Bundaberg project.

Anna Moran

I am consistently inspired and humbled by Cath Cosgrave's work. Driven by a passion to work with in-need communities, Cath's consulting approach, methodology and evidenced strategies deliver much needed results for rural and remote communities who struggle to recruit and retain essential health care staff. I have had the privilege of working alongside Cath as a researcher and evaluator on her Attract Connect Stay program. I have seen first hand and objectively evaluated the impact her strategy has on wicked recruitment and retention issues in rural communities. I recommend her highly to any community in need of a long-term successful rural workforce strategy.

Jaden Frame

I am pleased to write this recommendation for Cath Cosgrave, whose unwavering professionalism and commitment to building the regional and rural health workforce have left a lasting impression on me.

Cath's dedication to addressing the unique challenges faced by healthcare professionals in regional and rural areas is truly commendable. Her Attract, Connect, and Stay Program reflects a deep understanding of the complexities involved in healthcare workforce development in these settings.

Throughout our interactions, I have been consistently impressed by Cath's strategic approach to attract top-tier talent to underserved communities. Her ability to tailor outreach efforts to resonate with healthcare professionals' values and aspirations is a testament to her keen insight and innovative thinking.

Cath's emphasis on fostering meaningful connections within local communities and creating robust support networks for healthcare professionals is a game-changer. The Connect component of her program goes beyond conventional methods, leveraging technology and community engagement to bridge gaps and build a sense of belonging.

What sets Cath apart is her commitment to long-term sustainability. The Stay component of her program not only addresses retention challenges but also focuses on continuous support and professional development opportunities. It is evident that she is not just interested in filling positions but in creating thriving healthcare ecosystems.

I wholeheartedly recommend Cath Cosgrave to anyone seeking a passionate and results-driven professional in the realm of regional and rural health workforce development. Her expertise, coupled with her genuine concern for the well-being of healthcare professionals and the communities they serve, makes her an invaluable asset to any project or initiative in this field.

Olivia Naughtin

The Attract Connect Stay research, framework and model is a refreshing approach to tackling rural health workforce shortages. It brings clarity to the complex challenge and stands out by highlighting the power of community-led solutions and social connections. It provides valuable insights and a promising model for policymakers and rural healthcare leaders.

Cindy Dennis

From every angle, the ACS framework makes sense. I am a rural resident, clinician, spouse of a rural medical professional and a parent. What Cath has developed takes the guess work out of the rural workforce challenge and is very consistent in hitting the points that have been a reality my entire life. Well done Cath and I look forward to many more positive outcomes for rural workforce and communities, as a result of your work.

HWRC AttractConnectStay

When I was first introduced to Dr Cath Cosgrave’s Attract Connect Stay Framework and its community-led Community Connector Program. I was excited about its potential. Now that I have been implementing the Community Connector Program over the last 19 months I know that my excitement was not unfounded.

IT WORKS !

Some of the benefits include;

A Flexible system that is able to be adapted to suit the particular needs and challenges of the new-to-area health professionals, healthcare and social care businesses and the rural community.

It’s a Proactive program (instead of reactive - last minute )

The outcome is that a challenging and stressful decision to relocate to a rural area is turned into a positive experience for the new-to-area health professionals, their families, the rural health workforce & social care businesses and the community.

Highly recommend this Program ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️