South West Healthcare considers in-house ECEC provision as waitlists continue to grow

South West Healthcare, which employs more than 2,000 people in Victoria’s south-west, is considering a number of options to make early childhood education and care (ECEC) more available to its staff after a number of issues have arisen in the recruitment space due to a lack of availability. 

Speaking with The ABC, South West Healthcare Chief Executive Craig Fraser said “all ideas are on the table” to address the issues which arise as a result of a lack of ECEC availability, with waiting lists in the region of 12 months or more to access care. 

Employers are struggling to find and retain staff because of the shortage, leaving a number of large employers considering their options, including creating ‘in-house’ ECEC options to help with the attraction and retention of staff. 

Mr Fraser told the ABC that many of South West Healthcare’s staff would like to work additional hours or days, however were limited by the lack of ECEC options open to them. 

“We recognise the pivotal role accessible childcare plays in achieving a healthy work-life balance, and just how hard it is to get a place in this current climate,” he said.

South West Healthcare has appointed a project lead, who will work with staff and ECEC experts to explore a range of options including onsite ECEC, offsite options and other initiatives. 

“Whilst we’d like to solve this issue overnight, the reality is that it will be some time until this project is realised,” he said. 

To access the original coverage of this story, please see here.