DUBBO is the launching pad for a growing team of health professionals filling gaps in services in more than 30 towns within three hours drive of the city.
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Most members of Marathon Health's Primary Health Services team reside in Dubbo but travel out to the rural and remote communities weekly, fortnightly or monthly.
The team members work together and with GPs to improve the health and prospects of people who in the past have had to travel long distances to seek treatment.
The team travels from "Nyngan to Cowra and Kandos to Condobolin".
Face-to-face clinics are alternated with Telehealth sessions in the delivery of some services.
Marathon Health is contracted by the federally-funded Western NSW Primary Health Network to provide services through programs including Primary Health Services.
In the past six months it has boosted the team to 29 through recruitment of about 20 allied health specialists, with the majority already on the ground.
The team includes allied health assistants, dietitians, diabetes educators, paediatric occupational therapists, paediatric speech therapists and primary health care nurses.
"The majority of new staff have come from the local region with many already living in Dubbo," said Marathon Health's Primary Health Services manager Shellie Burgess.
"We also welcomed some new graduates and other experienced clinicians from the ACT and Queensland who have moved to the area for these positions.
"We are not only bringing highly-skilled health professionals to the area and organisation but also supporting the development of a skilled health professional workforce at a local level."
The team's patients range from children with communication difficulties through to people with chronic disease.
Screening for bowel, cervical and skin cancer is among the services it is offering.
"This crucial team will provide holistic care that focuses on the individuals' needs," said Marathon Health's clinical services manager Bryan Hoolahan.
"Whether it is in childhood development and early intervention space within primary school or preschool, or for those needing some assistance to quit smoking, or making healthier lifestyle choices, Marathon Health now have the clinicians available who can help clients achieve their goals in partnership with their local GP."
Marathon Health, with headquarters at both Dubbo and Bathurst, currently has 144 employees, 20 of them working as casuals.
Women account for 87 per cent of its workforce of which 80 per cent are front-line health service providers.
More information about Marathon Health and its services can be found at www.marathonhealth.com.au.
