Clinician Connect

Rural Health Network

28 Jun 2022 Reading time approximately


Rural Health Network Executive Committee update

The Rural Health Network Executive Committee meeting was held on 9 June; in person for the first time since COVID-19. Attendees discussed the Health outcomes and access to health and hospital services in rural, regional and remote New South Wales inquiry findings to:

  • identify where priority activities align with the Ministry of Health’s newly established Regional Health Division
  • inform the future direction of the network.

There are two vacancies on the committee, click the role titles for more information and how to apply:

Rural Health Network Newsletter

A monthly newsletter sent to Rural Health Network members includes network and Executive Committee updates, scholarly articles and upcoming events. Subscribe to the newsletter by joining the network.

Rural Innovations Changing Healthcare Forum

The 2022 Rural Innovations Changing Healthcare (RICH) Forum was a huge success with more than 280 participants attending throughout the day. Ruth Stewart, National Rural Health Commissioner, was the keynote speaker, eight projects were presented at the event and five poster presentations took place.

Ruth Stewart speaking at the RICH Forum: Why is rural generalism so important for rural Australia?

Ruth Stewart speaking at the RICH Forum

Farewell to Jenny Preece

The network recently celebrated the incredible career and contributions of Jenny Preece, Rural Health Network Manager. Jenny has retired after 10 years in the role and a career spent making an impact on healthcare in regional, rural and remote locations.

Jenny trained as a registered nurse at Royal North Shore Hospital, graduated in 1978 and started her first role in a surgical ward at Manly Hospital. Jenny went on to become a community nurse generalist and sole practitioner for more than 26 years in Dorrigo, in northern NSW.

In 2004, Jenny joined the Health Education and Training Institute, where she oversaw rural and remote projects. She joined the Agency for Clinical Innovation in 2012, establishing the Rural Health Network and the Rural Innovations Changing Healthcare (RICH) forum.

Congratulations to Jenny on such a fantastic career, we wish you all the best in retirement.

Learn more or contact the Rural Health Network.

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