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2 ANNUAL REPORT Stronger rural health 2020 21About this Report This report is for the period 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021 and is the 33rd full year Annual Report for the NSW Rural Doctors Network (RDN) and its predecessor organisation. The Annual Financial Report has been audited by Cutcher & Neale Assurance Pty Limited, Newcastle, NSW 2300. This report is available to download from RDN’s website at www.nswrdn.com.au To obtain printed copies or for further information please contact NSW Rural Doctors Network on +61 2 4924 8000 or email communications@nswrdn.com.au ABN 52 081 388 810 Published by NSW Rural Doctors Network (2021) ISSN 1441-1830 (print) ISSN 2202-2657 (online)3 NSW Rural Doctors Network respectfully acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we learn and work together, and commits to building collaborative relationships, respect and opportunities with Aboriginal peoples to achieve their aspirations. contents Chair’s Message 4 Chief Executive Officer’s Message 5 About RDN 6 RDN’s Vision, Purpose and Values 8 RDN Service Pillars 10 RDN Concepts and Enablers 12 Board, Executive and Clinical Advisors 14 Financial Performance 2020-21 17 Primary Health Workforce Needs Assessment 19 Rural NSW Health Workforce Snapshot 2020-21 20 RDN’s Approach to Aboriginal Engagement 22 Natural Disaster and Emergency Response 26 and Recovery Resilience, Recharge and Recovery Program 28 Rural Health Pro 30 Workforce Solutions 34 Health Outreach Services 34 Recruitment 40 Practice Management Support 42 Enhancing Workforce Capacity and Scope 44 Health Workforce Scholarship Program 46 Moving Evidence to Practice 49 Data Solutions 49 Community Solutions 50 Rural Generalist Coordination 54 GP Proceduralists and Visiting 55 Medical Officers Engagement and Collaboration 56 Sector Facilitation 61 Sector Representation 62 Recognition of Service 63 Building and Sharing Knowledge 66 Professional Development Events 68 Nurturing the Future Workforce 70 People and Culture 76 Financial Statements and Statutory Reports 79 Abbreviations 94 Index 98nsw rural doctors network annual report | 2020-214 We are living in interesting times! The resilience of remote, rural and regional communities in NSW and the ACT, and the multidisciplinary rural health workforce, have been sorely tested by successive trials of drought, bushfires, floods and the pandemic. In spite of these fierce and sustained challenges, high quality health care remains the standard for ‘the bush’, however lapses are unfortunately inevitable in healthcare systems that are regularly stretched to capacity and beyond in a number of regions, and RDN offers essential support to these communities. The commitment of rural GPs and their dedicated fellow rural health professionals is to be admired and congratulated. Without such dedication, ‘the system‘ would have ceased to function long ago. It is also important to acknowledge the sterling work of the many outreach health workers, ranging from health administration staff to neurologists, who enable rural communities to access quality, sustained health services. RDN’s Chair’s Message development and coordination of such services, particularly Aboriginal health services, is making a huge contribution to improved health service access for rural NSW and the ACT. The current NSW Parliamentary inquiry into the health outcomes and access to health and hospital services in rural, regional and remote NSW is identifying multiple areas for attention. I have likened it to a giant focus group, where large amounts of information regarding the unmet health needs of rural NSW can be readily obtained. In addition to making written and personal representations, RDN has been carefully studying all submissions to ensure our investments are focused on the current needs of communities. I became Chairman of RDN’s Board at the AGM in November 2020, having been a member of the Board since 2008. I regard this organisation as part of my extended medical family. I thoroughly enjoy my involvement with the essential work that RDN undertakes, and admire its capacity to constantly reflect, test and develop ways to better help diverse rural communities. I have been a GP in Woolgoolga since 1981, having initially experienced the life of a solo GP, then growing a small group practice with a focus on teaching medical students and GP Registrars. I spend three to four days each week in my practice, and wish to remind GPs that succession planning is a core business for all doctors! I would like to pay tribute to RDN’s dedicated team, including the strong executive team, all of whom are so ably led by their CEO, Richard Colbran. My fellow Board members, who come from all corners of NSW, are also to be thanked for their collective efforts. I find it highly valuable to receive their wise and informed counsel. RDN is a dynamic organisation. It cannot afford to be anything else. The rural health environment is constantly evolving, providing challenges both large and small on a daily basis. We must continue to adapt, evolve, innovate and create. We have the team for it. There will be life after COVID-19! A/Prof John Kramer OAM Chair5 RDN’s Annual Report last year acknowledged the resilience and strength of NSW’s rural health professionals and the communities they serve, while we lived through the most challenging of times. This year we celebrate the capacity and capability to recover, however we must stay mindful that the events of the last few years have taken a heavy toll on people and communities, Australia-wide. I am tremendously proud and grateful for the tireless efforts of our Board, staff, their families and RDN’s broader network. We move person by person, town by town, and sometimes our efforts are unseen by the masses, however RDN’s ‘never cancel’ and ‘find a solution’ mindset has shone throughout this crisis. As I write this, the COVID-19 Delta variant has arrived in Sydney and is threatening to permeate into our remote and rural communities. If we need to activate another emergency response, RDN and our network will be available 24/7 to support rural health professionals and communities. Chief Executive Officer’s Message Through this time of crisis and recovery, RDN’s 2019-22 Strategic Plan provided a platform to focus our energies and investments. In partnership with the Australian Medical Association (AMA) NSW, RDN’s facilitation of the Rural NSW Natural Disaster and Emergency General Practice and Primary Health Partnership Group (the NDE Group) saw more than 30 national and state government agencies and peak industry bodies come together, demonstrating the power of coordinated and targeted planning and implementation. We are gratified that our partnerships and targeted work plans with the Aboriginal Health & Medical Research Council of NSW (AH&MRC) and Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) continue, because strengthening Aboriginal services and communities in a culturally responsive manner is key to supporting increased health and wellbeing. The modern era of ‘the network’ has truly arrived. Since launching in 2020, our digital platform Rural Health Pro has connected more than 75 health sector organisations and 3,500 rural health professionals to network, learn, share and support via digital technology. The Australian Government’s funding support to our Collaborative Care for Remote and Rural Communities Trial Project, in partnership with the NSW Ministry of Health, three Local Health Districts and two Primary Health Networks, shows that our thought leadership, methodological approach and intent for collaboration – core features of RDN’s early decades – is alive and well. From a corporate perspective, we have kept our people employed, extended our Rural Employment Strategy to ensure we find the right people for the right jobs no matter where they live, acquitted our contractual commitments and retained the philosophy of underpinning positivity for rural living. On behalf of RDN, I take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank Dr Rose Ellis, Dr Elizabeth Barrett and Dr Peter Finlayson, who have been significant contributors to our success and credibility over the last decades, and we are fortunate that they will stay connected with RDN. I wish to acknowledge Dr John Curnow for his leadership, guidance and wise counsel throughout his three years as Chair of RDN, and to thank our current Chair Dr John Kramer OAM for his knowledge and breadth of experience. Finally, a message of self-care and wellbeing. In my role I see first-hand the strain and impact on NSW’s rural health professionals – be they doctors, nurses, allied health workers, Aboriginal Health Practitioners, practice managers, administrators or service managers. Health can’t exist without a health workforce and it is imperative we continue to support each other, and ourselves, as the emergency response and recovery continue. I wish everyone well for the year ahead. Richard Colbran Chief Executive Officernsw rural doctors network annual report | 2020-216 ABOUT NSW RURAL DOCTORS NETWORK THE NEED The disparity in health outcomes and services access for rural communities is well documented. RDN exists to improve the health and wellbeing of people living in remote, rural, regional, Aboriginal and disadvantaged communities, particularly those in NSW and the ACT. THE DIFFERENCE WE MAKE RDN strives to have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of people in rural communities. We believe community is at the heart of healthcare. Independent and trusted, RDN is invited into local communities to listen to their issues and help provide and support the development of solutions. We tirelessly advocate for access to quality and sustained health services tailored to individual community need. In partnership with local communities, we collaborate with partners including government bodies, corporates and other not-for-profits to offer the best possible support to rural communities. WHO WE ARE RDN is a not-for-profit, non-government charitable organisation that works to create and sustain access to quality multidisciplinary healthcare for all Australians – no matter where they live. To achieve our vision, we seek to grow and strengthen a capable primary health workforce, support communities with tailored health workforce solutions, support the capacity of health service organisations, contribute to policy and ensure RDN’s continued effectiveness. We work collaboratively with health professionals, communities, service agencies, industry, federal and state governments. We are privileged to act as the Australian Government’s designated Rural Workforce Agency for health in NSW and the NSW fundholder for health outreach and associated service programs. We receive our core funding from our partner, the NSW Ministry of Health. RDN also receives funding from the Australian Government Department of Health, local governments, community and health sector organisations. Clarence Valley, NSW, Gumbainggir Country.7 OUR HISTORY RDN began in 1988 as an organisation supporting the recruitment and retention of rural General Practitioners (GPs). The organisation has evolved in response to the changing health landscape and there is now a greater need for solutions that support the broader multidisciplinary rural health workforce including GPs, rural resident and non-resident medical specialists, allied health practitioners, nurses, midwifes, Aboriginal Health Practitioners and professionals, practice managers, carers and health administrators. RDN also works closely with paramedics, pharmacists, oral health professionals and professionals working in human services such as schools, aged care, disability and community services. RDN TODAY As a multidimensional and solution-oriented organisation, our work adapts and responds to contemporary issues and needs using evidence- informed approaches. We are acutely aware of the direct and indirect impacts of federal and state policy, changing population distribution, climate change, digital technologies, business governance and legislative requirements, health workforce demographics and life-balance expectations. Today, RDN’s service streams navigate these and related issues to develop and provide town-based and regional workforce planning; workforce and practice support; sustainable practice business models; health outreach services; grants and scholarship initiatives; education and training; future workforce programs; health policy and industry network co-ordination; and health workforce data and evidence translation.nsw rural doctors network annual report | 2020-218 VISION Healthier Australians – no matter where they live. PURPOSE To improve health access for people living in remote, rural, regional, Aboriginal and disadvantaged communities in NSW and the ACT. OUR VISION, PURPOSE AND VALUES Singleton, NSW, Wonnarua Country.9 VALUES We use our organisational values to guide our decision making, actions and workplace behaviours. ACCOUNTABILITY We commit to being responsible for our actions. ADAPTABILITY We are agile and responsive to changing needs to create solutions and make a positive difference for our stakeholders. COLLABORATION We share and contribute to collective processes to create more effective practice and achieve specific goals and outcomes. EXCELLENCE We strive to achieve and maintain high quality standards in our relationships and services. INTEGRITY We live and work by a set of ethical standards and behaviours.Next >