New study pinpoints the need for better workplace safety for RANs

Improvements to workplace safety for nurses working in regional and remote areas are urgently needed according to a new study. The literature review undertaken by registered nurse and researcher Laura Wright from James Cook University’s Murtupuni Centre for Rural and Remote Health, found that recommendations from research on RAN workplace safety dating back as far […]

Scholarship in memory of Gayle Woodford makes lasting impact

Tuesday, 23 March, marks five years since the tragic murder of South Australian remote area nurse (RAN) Gayle Woodford. It is also the fifth anniversary of a scholarship established in Mrs Woodford’s memory that is improving the knowledge, skills, safety and security of the country’s remote health workers. Jointly established by CRANAplus and the Centre […]

Drones to deliver medical supplies to remote communities across NT

Custom-made drones with a flying range of up to 250 kilometres will begin delivering potentially life-saving medicines to remote communities across the Northern Territory under a new trial hoping to give Australians living out bush more timely access to medical supplies. The first ever healthcare drone trial for regional Australia, it is expected that the […]

A uniquely local vaccination solution in the face of a global pandemic

Amid COVID-19 a medical centre in regional South Australia has found a unique way to immunise the community against the flu this season. Practice Nurse Gabby Combe at the Crystal Brook Medical Centre says traditionally leading up to the flu season, the clinic, in conjunction with other outreach services in the Laura District, run events […]

CRANAplus CEO calls it a day

CRANAplus CEO Christopher Cliffe will depart the organisation, closing the chapter on 15 years of involvement across roles including state representative, board member, president, and finally as CEO, dedicated to representing remote health professionals in their efforts to deliver quality primary healthcare to Australians living out bush. Mr Cliffe will finish his term following the […]

The community remote area nurse

“We sometimes laugh that we are coiled springs – waiting to respond,” says Kelly Lynch of her role as a community remote area nurse. Kelly has been in the Cape, far north QLD for seven years. Originally from New Zealand, having raised five children, a marriage break up prompted a life change. “Half of my […]