Victoria's rural and regional doctors recognised

16 November 2011

Fifty four of Victoria’s top rural and regional doctors have been recognised at the 2011 Victorian Rural Doctors’ Awards ceremony in Melbourne.

The awards, presented by Minister for Health David Davis, acknowledge rural doctors who have made significant contributions to their local communities.

The Victorian Rural Doctors’ Awards were initiated by the Rural Workforce Agency Victoria seven years ago. The awards honour doctors who have provided 35 years of service, new doctors who have worked in a rural community for less than three years and doctors who have made outstanding contributions to their community.

Mr Davis said rural doctors were a firmly embedded part of the community and a significant part of the fabric of the towns in which they were located.

“This event is a welcome opportunity to recognise and celebrate the work of rural doctors and their families,” Mr Davis said.

“Their contribution is more than providing essential healthcare. It is also providing much needed emotional support, particularly in times of disaster.”

The Victorian Health Priorities Framework 2012-2022 was released in May this year and the Rural and Regional Health Plan 2012 is currently in development.

The Rural and Regional Health Plan will outline actions aimed at improving the Victorian health system so that all rural Victorians have the best possible healthcare outcomes.