Rural communities are a foundation of the economy and society and must be kept healthy.
There are significant personal, professional and financial rewards for rural healthcare professionals. However, there are also challenges – isolation, long hours, confusion about where to turn for support.
To acknowledge and celebrate the work of Rural and Remote Health Professionals, Rural Health Pro have launched the inaugural National Rural and Remote Health Awards.
Rural Health Pro’s mission is to connect health professionals and organisations who care about rural communities, to inspire and support them in their work.
The Awards aim to acknowledge the exceptional effort of health professionals, teams and organisations that have significantly contributed to improving rural and remote health in Australia.
Nominations are now open for the inaugural National Rural and Remote Health Awards which will be celebrated at Parliament House Canberra on Monday 13 November 2023. The Awards are
The Awards will be celebrated as part of Rural Health Month 2023 in November and will bring together stakeholders from across the rural and remote health sector to recognise the achievements of primary healthcare providers, people and organisations.
Rural Health Pro’s Group Manager, Jeremy Mitchell speaking to Australian Health Journal said, “following a global pandemic, floods, fires, and drought, it’s time to honour the dedication of those who strive to keep rural and remote communities healthy, on the national stage.
“Rural Health Pro is honoured to bring these exceptional workers and organisations together on a national platform to be acknowledged and celebrated for their dedication and commitment to keeping our rural and remote communities healthy,” Mr Mitchell said.
“Healthy rural and remote communities are not possible without the tireless effort of health professionals and organisations who show up, work together and commit to improving health outcomes for the benefit of others,” he said.
Nominations for the Awards are open until 31 August 2023 and there are ten award categories:
- Rising Star
- Excellence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Healthcare
- Dedication to Health in a Remote Location
- Excellence in Rural/Remote Health Administration
- Rural/Remote Health Innovator of the Year
- Rural/Remote Aged and Disability Carer of the Year
- Rural/Remote Health Advocate of the Year
- Rural/Remote Multidisciplinary Collaboration of the Year
- Rural/Remote Health Employer of the Year
- Rural/Remote Health Professional of the Year.
Mr Mitchell says anyone who’s ever received outstanding care or support from a rural health professional or organisation, and hasn’t known how to show their appreciation, now has the perfect way to do so.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for individuals, families, colleagues, friends, community leaders and business representatives to make their appreciation and thanks known to those who deserve it most,” Mr Mitchell said.
“I encourage everyone to make sure the health professionals in your rural or remote community, who have made a difference to your life or the lives of your friends and family, know how valued they are.”
Important dates & notes
- Nominations Open: 3 July 2023
- Nominations Close: 31 August 2023
Awards Presentation Gala: Monday 13 November, Parliament House Canberra on Ngunnawal Country.
To nominate and view the selection criteria, visit ruralhealthpro.org/s/awards
Rural Health Pro has been developed by NSW Rural Doctors Network (RDN), the Australian Government’s Rural Workforce Agency for NSW. RDN is a not-for-profit, non-government organisation which has been supporting health professionals and communities in rural NSW for more than 35 years.
You Might also like
-
Medicinal cannabis in Australia Update
According to the Australian Journal of General Practice, published by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, more than 130,000 medicinal cannabis approvals have been issued in Australia to date, mostly by general practitioners, with approximately 65% of these to treat chronic non-cancer pain. Despite robust supportive data from animal models, current clinical trial evidence for THC and CBD efficacy in chronic pain is incomplete. In their prescribing decisions, doctors must balance patient demand and curiosity with caution regarding potential risks and limited efficacy.
Australian Health Journal met with 3 speakers at the recent ARCS22 Conference providing an update on medicinal cannabis. The discussion with the speakers now centres on affordability and access.
-
New clinical research entity first to operate across both Australia and New Zealand
Over the past 30 years, 18,000 clinical trials that have been registered in Australia, with the sector contributing $1.4 billion to Australia’s economy annually. Trials are a critical aspect of evidence-based medicine, and are essential for testing how new treatments, tests and vaccines will work. In New Zealand they contribute $146 million to the New Zealand economy.
To capitalise on this unique position and growth, a coordinated multi-site clinical research operation was missing, until now.
-
Navigating the health system for mental health support
Senior professionals and middle managers are experiencing increased burnout and stress, leading to higher alcohol consumption, and there is a need for better support and resources for mental health and addiction treatment in Australia, according to Ruth Limkin, Founder of The Banyans and Chief Development Officer at parent Sana Health Group.