Western Health Alliance Limited, which operates the Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN), announced the general practitioner would take up a director position.

Board chairman Dr Tim Smyth and fellow directors will welcome Dr Williams at the next board meeting at Dubbo on October 13.

Dr Williams has been a general practitioner visiting medical officer (VMO) at Molong Health Service and Yeoval UPA since 2007 and was chairman of the Dubbo/Plains Division of General Practice from 2000 to 2016.

Among roles past and present, Dr Williams is the current chairman of the Western NSW Local Health District (LHD) board until his term ends at the end of this year.

“I have long supported increased co-operative links between organisations in the health field, to develop a more cohesive and integrated approach to the provision of health care in our region, in particular the equity of access to services, ensuring that disadvantaged communities receive appropriate care,” Dr Williams said.

“My appointment to the board of the Western Health Alliance Limited allows me the opportunity to guide the strategic direction of the organisation to further enhance an integrated approach to health care provision.”

Western NSW LHD chief executive Scott McLachlan said improving the health of rural and remote people in one of Australia’s most vulnerable regions called for a coordinated health system, highlighting the importance of the partnership between the two organisations.

“I. . .  welcome the opportunity to link the governance of both organisations to ensure integrated health services help make a meaningful difference for the people in our region,” he said.

Dr Williams’s experience in rural general practice, integrated care and in leading the LHD board would further strengthen the WNSW PHN board as it worked with its partners to support, shape and strengthen a high-quality primary care system, Dr Smyth said.