Occupational Therapist Rebecca Smith has been named the Allied Health Leader of the Year at the 2022 NSW Health Excellence in Allied Health Awards, held last Thursday in Sydney.
Ms Smith is Manager of Integrated Care for the Far West Local Health District, based in Broken Hill,.
Ms Smith says she is passionate about clinical redesign for better access and service delivery in the Far West and NSW, has worked in remote and rural areas of NSW, South Australia and Queensland for the last 17 years in clinical and management positions.
In the past year, she has worked with a focus on the Covid Community Response Team, chronic disease management and hospital avoidance services, with the award acknowledging the passion, dedication and contribution that allied health professionals and support staff provide across the state.
“I’m so completely overwhelmed by winning the award, it was such a surprise,” said Ms Smith.
“I work with such a great team of professionals daily within the Far West Local Health District that this recognition is for them also, for the outstanding and innovative work that is happening in our region.
“Growing up locally in the Far West, it is such a privilege to give back to the community and be acknowledged as an Allied Health Professional by NSW Health through these awards.”
FWLHD Chief Executive, Brad Astill said, “It was a wonderful moment to see Rebecca’s work recognised amongst her peers and we should all be so confident that the care delivered to the people in our District is the equal of that delivered anywhere across the state.”
