North West Hospital and Health Service (NWHHS), in partnership with the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Hospital (QEII) in Brisbane, has received national recognition at the National Rural & Remote Health Awards for their "Dedication to Health in a Remote Location."

Health Service Health Executive Sean Birgan said the North West HHS was selected from more than 300 nominations, NWHHS was recognised for its Hybrid Elective Orthopaedic Model of Care, an initiative that provides rural and remote Queenslanders with specialist orthopaedic care close to home.

“This award is a testament to the hard work and vision of our allied health team in the North West and the invaluable collaboration with the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Hospital,” he said.

“Our local allied health teams have embraced this model with dedication, providing patients with not only timely treatment but also the comfort of being closer to home.”

This innovative model is driven by the strength of partnerships between NWHHS and QEII, addressing long wait times for orthopaedic services through a hybrid telehealth approach.

In the model, QEII orthopaedic surgeons review and prioritise referrals from NWHHS, allowing advanced Allied Health clinicians to conduct assessments via telehealth while local physiotherapists or occupational therapists at Mount Isa Hospital conduct in-person examinations.

Mr Birgan said the program was launched in February 2024, and had already served 173 patients, reducing travel burdens for patients and their families while building the skills of local allied health professionals through collaboration with metropolitan specialists.

“Through this hybrid model, we’re seeing patients in some of Queensland’s most remote areas access the same high-quality orthopaedic care they would receive in a metropolitan centre—without the burden of extensive travel.

“It’s a significant step forward in closing the gap in healthcare access for rural and remote communities, and we couldn’t be prouder of the impact this innovative approach is having on the lives of our patients.

“The success of this model demonstrates the power of partnership and technology in overcoming the challenges of delivering specialist healthcare to remote communities. Congratulations to everyone involved in making this vision a reality.” 

Additionally, NWHHS celebrated Dr. Erica West, Director of Medical Services, who was a finalist for the "Rural and Remote Health Professional of the Year" award, further highlighting the commitment of NWHHS staff to exceptional care in remote communities.