The team was awarded for Outstanding Contribution by a Rural Multidisciplinary Health Team, and is being celebrated for redefining how high-quality chronic disease care is delivered in rural communities.
When local general practitioner services withdrew in 2023, the multidisciplinary team responded with innovation and collaboration by designing a nurse‑led, place‑based model that brings co-ordinated diabetes care closer to home.
Kyabram District Health Service interim primary health manager Ryan Byrne said the clinic brought together a team of diabetes educators, a podiatrist, a dietitian and an exercise physiologist.
He said the team co-ordinates each diabetes patient's care, including referrals and close collaboration across the health team.
After receiving funding to start the diabetes outreach model in 2023, shortly after, the program initially kicked off with an eight-week education and exercise program for people living with diabetes, alongside ongoing access to various health services.
Since then, the service has become so vital to the local community that it is already outgrowing its original space.
To meet the rising demand, the service is currently expanding into the neighbouring senior citizens building to build additional consultation rooms.
Mr Byrne said the award was a great recognition for the team.
“A lot of the team members that head out to Stanhope do a lot of good work, and they certainly show a compassion and really thrive providing services out there.”
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