The Rural Health Network works to improve the experience and delivery of healthcare in remote, rural and regional NSW.
We work with clinicians, health managers, consumers and stakeholders from across rural and regional NSW to:
- identify ways to improve rural healthcare
- develop innovative solutions to rural healthcare challenges
- support coordination and implementation of models of care that meet the needs of rural communities.
We work closely with the NSW Health Regional Health Division to support priorities identified in the NSW parliamentary inquiry Health outcomes and access to health and hospital services in rural, regional and remote New South Wales.
Network structure
The network is led by an Executive Committee with a co-chair:
Becky Smith
Co-Chair
Network structure
The Executive Committee is supported by three groups:
- Clinical Focus Subcommittee
A supportive and collaborative group of for rural health clinicians who share experiences and issues and develop and implement solutions. This subcommittee identifies and develops rural clinical leaders across NSW to support long term strategic direction for rural health and clinical engagement. The key focus is providing communication and advice on rural health specific clinical issues. - Rural Consumer and Carer Member Subgroup
The voices of rural consumers, carers and loved ones with lived experience is powerful. Their contribution is vital to enabling decision-making for health system change. This group allows the ACI to better engage with rural consumers, carers and loved ones to ensure the decisions being made are considering their unique needs as rural, regional and remote Australians. - Rural Health Network Members
We have more than 1,000 members from local health districts, residential aged care, non-government organisations, primary health networks, aboriginal medical services, researchers and consumers. Our members influence the work that we do, the projects we undertake and the feedback we provide to our partners.
Celebrating innovation
We host the annual Rural Innovations Changing Healthcare (RICH) virtual forum to share innovative practices from across regional, rural and remote NSW. The forum offers professional development, networking and access to innovative projects for the interdisciplinary rural health workforce. Join the network to watch presentations from past events through the network SharePoint site.
We facilitate the rural innovation awards in the eight NSW Health rural local health districts. These awards showcase and celebrate rural innovation in practice. The awards are presented at each district’s annual quality awards.
Join the network
Members of the network contribute to projects, innovations and help ensure the rural voice is part of healthcare conversations and decision making at various levels of NSW Health.
