In an exciting development for regional healthcare, Connecting the Docs has proudly extended its collaborative network to East Gippsland, now partnering with vital health services including Omeo District Health, Bairnsdale Regional Health Service, Orbost Regional Health and Gippsland Lakes Complete Health.
This expansion marks a significant milestone, broadening Connecting the Docs’ footprint and enhancing opportunities for healthcare professionals across East Gippsland to connect, share knowledge and support one another in delivering exceptional care.
Connecting the Docs was originally established to address a critical challenge in regional and rural medical workforce.
Not only attracting doctors to these areas but ensuring they felt welcomed, supported and connected to support their integration and establishment in the community.
This collaborative initiative fosters mentorship, community integration and streamlined career pathways, empowering doctors and their families to thrive in regional settings.
Kellie Byron-Gray, chair of Connecting the Docs, reflected on this exciting expansion.
“Bringing East Gippsland’s health services into our network is a momentous step,” she said.
“By partnering with these communities – Omeo, Bairnsdale, Orbost, and Lakes Entrance we strengthen our collective capacity to nurture medical professionals and improve healthcare outcomes. This is about more than just connections; it’s about creating lasting impact where it matters most.”
Dr Annemarie Newth, executive sponsor and CTD fund holder, highlighted the broader significance.
“Our vision has always been to foster collaboration that transforms healthcare delivery in regional Victoria,” she said.
“With East Gippsland now part of Connecting the Docs, we’re opening doors to new partnerships and innovations that reflect the unique strengths and needs of these communities. This expansion enhances our value proposition and fuels the potential to make great things happen together.”
Local health services and medical professionals stand to benefit immensely from the expanded network, which offers greater opportunities for professional development, shared expertise and a unified approach to addressing workforce challenges.
Interested community members are warmly invited to connect with the program director, Connecting the Docs to learn more about how this expansion is shaping the future of regional health in East Gippsland and to identify local contacts who are championing this transformative work.
