“More doctors than police”: Gunnedah Mayor praises RDN’s recruitment of doctors

The ABC's long-running ‘Australia All Over’ radio show, hosted by Ian "Macca” McNamara, has featured some discussions on rural and remote healthcare, including some high praise for the work of RDN. 

Mayor of Gunnedah Shire and Chair of the NSW Country Mayors Association, Jamie Chaffey has expressed his gratitude to RDN for providing assistance and support that has resulted in the number of doctors in Gunnedah nearing capacity. 

Mayor Chaffey told Macca “…if you had told me two years ago [that we are almost at full capacity of doctors] I wouldn’t believe it, but in fact… I think we have more doctors than police at the moment!” 

“Over the last two years we’ve been working with the community council and community working really closely…[with] NSW Rural Doctors Network,” Mayor Chaffey said.  

“They have been absolutely amazing in the work they have done in our community, pulling the PHN and the Local Health District, and Council and doctors… everyone together!” 

Also featured in the program is an interview with Child Psychiatrist Dr Michael Fairley, who tells of  the online safety program for kids he developed as well as some of his work in Grafton, which is funded by RDN. Chair of Remote Australians Matter, Annabelle Braylee, is also interviewed and speaks about primary healthcare in remote areas.

Listen to the program in full here.