Media release: Partnering to support rural communities and health workers

A unique new initiative launched today will help address the isolation experienced by many health professionals working in rural areas and provide them information and support through their careers.

Rural Health Pro is a network of healthcare professionals and organisations who care about keeping rural communities healthy. Powered by NSW Rural Doctors Network (RDN), Rural Health Pro connects healthcare professionals and organisations to share information, support, career opportunities, training resources, mentor programs, funding opportunities and events.

RDN CEO, Richard Colbran, said Rural Health Pro would support health professionals and organisations to deliver better health and wellbeing services in rural communities.

“Rural communities are a foundation of NSW’s economy and society. Over its 30 years of operations RDN has developed a deep knowledge of rural health workforce capability and we know that health professionals are at their most capable when they are supported in their work and lives,” he said.

“Rural Health Pro is a unique, partnership-based approach to connecting people and organisations in the health care system, wherever they may be, to support each other and share information about career opportunities, training resources, financial assistance, events and more.

“We want to address feelings of isolation; help health professionals find training opportunities that will meet their professional development requirements; and let them know about financial support and help for their families.”

Members will connect through a digital experience tailored specifically to them, delivering curated information to suit their location, profession and interest. Rural Health Pro is for students and all health professionals including doctors, nurses, midwives, allied health professionals, Aboriginal Health Workers, Outreach workers, practice managers and more.

More than 100 organisations have committed to partner with Rural Health Pro across the corporate, health industry association, Aboriginal health, support service, health workforce employer, university, local government and not-for-profit sectors; together with Local Health Districts and Primary Health Networks in NSW.

RDN is the Australian Government’s designated Rural Workforce Agency for health in NSW. Its purpose is to improve health access for people living in remote, rural, regional and disadvantaged communities in NSW and the ACT. RDN receives program funding from the Australian Government Department of Health and the NSW Ministry of Health. 

Download the media release

Photo/interview opportunity
When: Wednesday 18 September 2019
Time: 9.30 – 10.30am
Where: Preston Stanley Room, NSW Parliament House

For media enquiries and interviews, please call RDN’s Senior Manager - Stakeholder Engagement & Communications, Katie Porritt, on 02 4924 8083.