Far West LHD's Rebecca Smith named 2022 Allied Health Leader of the Year

Rebecca is the Manager of Integrated Care for the District based in Broken Hill. Rebecca’s career as an Occupational Therapist has seen her work in rural and remote areas of South Australia, Queensland and New South Wales for the last 17 years, in both clinical and management positions.

Rebecca has been working across a range of areas over the last year with considerable focus on COVID-19 Community Response Team, Chronic Disease management and hospital avoidance services. She is passionate about clinical redesign for better access and service delivery for the people of the Far West and NSW.

The awards acknowledge the passion, dedication and contributions that allied health professionals and their support staff provide in NSW. The awards also demonstrate NSW Health's commitment, respect and value to the critical contribution that allied health has in delivering patient-centred care.

“I’m so completely overwhelmed by winning the award it was such a surprise. 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,” Rebecca Smith said.

“Growing up locally in the Far West it is such a privilege to give back to the community and be acknowledge as an Allied Health Professional by NSW Health through these Awards.”

Far West LHD Chief Executive Mr Brad Astill said not only is it fantastic recognition for the two nominees Rebecca and Stephanie, but it is also great recognition of the role that the Allied Health professions play in delivering care to our communities.

“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.” Mr Astill said.