THE Macksville Medical Centre’s Casey Shorter has been named a finalist in the inaugural Stronger Medicare Awards, gaining recognition for her dedication to improving primary health care in the Nambucca Valley.

The Stronger Medicare Awards are part of the Australian Government’s nationwide commemorative activities in 2024 to mark Medicare’s 40th anniversary.

The awards were established to honour people working in the primary care sector who have made an exceptional contribution to improving the health of Australians and to showcase the vital role they play in the healthcare system.

Nominations from across the country were reviewed by an independent panel of health experts to shortlist Australia’s ‘Medicare Champions’, the outstanding people in primary health care whose efforts and dedication go above and beyond to benefit patients and whose achievements improve the health of their community.

Ms Shorter received her nomination for her initiatives in building a multidisciplinary care team and her commitment to improving primary health care services in the Nambucca Valley.

In her past two years as Practice Manager, Ms Shorter has transformed the Macksville Medical Centre from a part-time solo GP practice into a model for rural healthcare access.

The centre now has two General Practitioners (with plans for more being onboarded in the near future), two psychologists, a children’s occupational therapy service, and audiologist working from the centre, as well as a legal service providing free advice to those requiring it in our community.

Karyn Thomas is the Director of Young Minds Thrive, one of the many new providers to deliver services from the Macksville Medical Centre.

She said Casey’s leadership at the Medical Centre has had a “remarkable impact on our community”.

“Her commitment to expanding access to essential medical, specialist, and community services has been transformative.

“Thanks to her efforts, our local charity, Young Minds Thrive has been able to offer vital health, development, and early learning support to local children, significantly improving their access to care and support.

“Casey’s nomination as a finalist in the Stronger Medicare Awards is well-deserved and exemplifies growth-focused leadership. Her vision and dedication to our community’s well-being are truly commendable.”

Another initiative that Ms Shorter has been recognised for is the centre’s collaboration with Healthy North Coast on North Coast Health Connect, a service aimed at reducing the number of unnecessary presentations to emergency departments of local hospitals.

North Coast Health Connect offers 24/7 confidential medical advice from registered nurses free, via phone or web chat.

The service can connect people to a face-to-face or virtual bulk-billed GP appointment if needed, with no out of pocket costs.

“Casey has been intricate in North Coast Health Connect with implementing and helping to assist with awareness in the Macksville community of our service,” said Ally Pope, Engagement Manager at Healthy North Coast.

Ms Shorter has also responded to local community needs, sourcing funding to provide the Mid North Coast Legal Centre a space at the Macksville Medical Centre from which to operate an outreach centre.

As a result of this health-justice collaboration, a lawyer is available on a fortnightly basis to provide free legal advice and services which are accessible to all members of the community.

To support and encourage future health professionals, the Macksville Medical Centre also partners with the Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA), by hosting nursing students undertaking supervised practical placement as part of their Diploma of Nursing through Southern Cross University.

“Receiving recognition for my contributions has definitely given me a sense of fulfillment and pride, but more needs to be done to address the lack of accessible, affordable health services in the Nambucca Valley,” Ms Shorter said. “Knowing that my work is making a positive impact only motivates me to continue advocating for increased primary health services for the Nambucca Valley to help our community access appropriate care, when and where they need it.”

The winners of the Stronger Medicare Awards will be announced at an official award ceremony on 4 November 2024 at Australian Parliament House, Canberra.