Annual Report 2014-2015 | Page 22

9 Innovative Connections “RWAV HAS MADE THE COMPLETION OF MY DIPLOMA IN OBSTETRICS POSSIBLE. RWAV IS A TREMENDOUS ASSET FOR RURAL GPS TO BE ABLE ACCESS HELP AND FUNDING.” Dr Leah Dunne, GP Obstetrician, Rural Medical Workforce Program We have enhanced our internal systems and knowledge sharing so that we continue to be respected in the rural workforce environment. 9.1 E  nhancing company knowledge and communications RWAV has welcomed two new board members to enhance the mix of skills on our board. These appointments expand our insight into rural and regional allied health and nursing, and into training programs in regional hospitals. In light of the changes that occurred in 2014-15, we reviewed and updated our company values to reflect the values of those who currently work at RWAV. The past year has also seen us focus on improving access points for anyone who contacts RWAV. This has involved internal training sessions that give each RWAV staff member the essential tools to help anyone whom we interact with. 9.2 Reviewing our systems This year, an external consultant undertook an Information and Data Needs Assessment to determine the capability of our current information systems. This is a key step in ensuring that we are collecting 22 Annual report 2015—16 Rural Workforce Agency Victoria Rural Workforce Agency Victoria and reviewing all the appropriate data in the best way possible. Future updates to the system will assist us in collecting relevant information and data for contractual reporting, and for making informed business decisions. 9.3 Creating sector synergies The healthcare sector is large and complex. At RWAV, we want to ensure we’re not duplicating the work of others, or leaving gaps unaddressed. This year, we’ve continued to work with other organisations within the sector, including the Primary Health Networks, regional training organisations and rural clinical schools, to deliver enhanced programs and collectively build on the activity and knowledge of one another. We’re also currently undertaking research with Monash University. This project is focused on understanding the views of a range of rural nursing and allied health practitioners on their scope of clinical practice. As part of this, we’re gathering data on the postgraduate training of participants, and their continued professional development needs Annual report 2015—16 23