Murrumbidgee Local Health District Chief Executive awarded Public Service Medal

Having begun her career as a nurse and midwife, Ms Ludford has extensive experience in health and hospital services. She is respected for her innovation, service provision, leadership and achievements.

Adrian Lindner, MLHD Board Chair, said Ms Ludford’s exceptional leadership and significant contribution to regional and rural healthcare were widely recognised.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have Jill as our Chief Executive. She not only strives to ensure that the people of Murrumbidgee have access to high-quality healthcare, but her dedication, enthusiasm and willingness to innovate have had a significant impact on healthcare across the state and beyond,” Mr Lindner said.

“During Jill’s term as Chief Executive she has led the widespread uptake of technological improvements to healthcare delivery along with major capital developments to enhance and modernise Murrumbidgee health facilities.

“Under Jill's leadership, MLHD has navigated challenges including bushfires, floods, a pandemic, and workforce shortages, and continued to deliver high-quality health services during the region's most challenging times.

“Jill has championed partnerships with other government and non-government organisations that have transformed healthcare in our area and she is committed to enhancing the health outcomes of Aboriginal people.

“She is also a caring and empathetic leader. When Jill and I visit MLHD facilities together, Jill will put her arm around a patient, or a staff member, many times as she encourages them.”

Mr Lindner said Ms Ludford oversaw the establishment of the “Murrumbidgee Model”, the first single employer model in NSW to support the recruitment and retention of rural generalists by creating a tailored, coordinated pathway for trainee doctors.

“The Murrumbidgee Model received national recognition and formed the basis for a program that is now being provided across regional NSW,” he said.

“I am extremely delighted to see Jill recognised for her extensive work and service over many years, with this well-deserved award.”

Ms Ludford said she was surprised and humbled to be awarded the Public Service Medal.

“It really is an honour, and one I was truly not expecting,” she said.

“When I began my career as a nurse and midwife, I was determined to provide the best possible care for my patients.  That is still my goal.

“When I was a clinician, I was always driving everyone mad because I was constantly coming up with new ideas. Eventually, I thought that maybe it would be easier to do this if I was in a management role, so I began moving down that path.

“In the MLHD, we have 33 hospitals and 12 primary healthcare centres across an areas of more than 125,000 square kilometres. I want to keep ensuring that MLHD continues to provide the best possible healthcare to our communities.

“When I began in the role of chief executive, none of our hospitals were really connected with each other. Now we not only have tools like electronic medical records (EMR), but also virtual technology, which allows specialist teams to care for our patients, no matter which hospital they are located in.

“I also actually used to dream about having a helipad on Wagga Wagga Base Hospital, so we had an even more direct way of bringing patients in for the specialist care they require.”

Ms Ludford has held the position of Chief Executive since 2014. She has worked for MLHD, and its predecessors, since 1992.

She believes her experiences as a frontline clinician continue to shape her work as chief executive.

“I think it has helped to give me an even greater understanding of the needs of our rural hospitals. I also think it has given me greater empathy as I have an understanding of the experiences of our frontline workers,” Ms Ludford said.

“It has also taught me the value of listening to the community and their ideas. The Murrumbidgee Model – now the Rural Generalist Training Pathway – was the innovative idea suggested to me by a well-respected local doctor.”

Ms Ludford remains passionate about the provision of healthcare in rural, regional and remote areas.

“Honestly, I love working in rural healthcare. People are far more adaptive and innovative, often because they just have to be, which means that despite the challenges, we have communities of passionate, dedicated people,” she said.

“I have always been committed to engaging with our communities and am grateful we continue to do this through our Local Health Advisory Committees and our relationships with local councils and other community groups.”

The Public Service Medal recognises outstanding service by employees of the Australian Government and state, territory and local government employees.

Presentation of the insignia of the award will occur at the investiture ceremony planned for later this year.