Overview
Initiative type
Service Improvement
Status
Deliver
Published
June 2026
Summary
Rural and Remote Connect project is the development of an internal Queensland Health Agency for nurses and midwives to support Modified Monash Model for Rural and Remote 6 and 7 (MM 6 and 7) sites.
Dates: January 2025 - ongoing
Implementation sites: Townsville Hospital and Health Service
Aim
Rural and Remote Connect aim is to build and supply a work ready, clinically skilled and supported workforce for MM6 and 7 sites. This is the first Queensland Health internal nursing and midwifery agency supporting staffing in health service locations in the most remote locations within Queensland.
Outcomes
2510 clinical shifts have been covered that include 155 contracts.
Recruitment of 132 Registered Nurses and seven registered midwives across all grades from NG5 to NG9.
Background
Project commenced in February 2025, with go live to supply staff from August 2025. Intention was to provide agency style QH employment to nurses and midwives to support all nine HHSs with MM 6 and 7 sites. Delivery was focussed on stability of a QH workforce, standardised clinical skill set adaptable to HHS need and reduced reliance on expensive external agency staff. Plus recognition of remote nursing as a distinct practice speciality and develop a reliable data source of MM 6 and 7 staffing challenges. Once recruited RRConnect staff are QH employees allowing easy transfer to permanent or longer term roles in any HHS.
Methods
Negotiations and support from multiple Queensland Health departments needed to commence initiative including a new set to Terms and Conditions for employees, new pay band only for Rural and Remote Connect employees, new payroll build and the recruitment of suitably qualified staff across multiple grades. Recruitment of management team to deliver this new service and extensive interface with our customers the HHSs. Plus the development of new employment protocols to engage across multiple sites.
Discussion
Many lessons learnt however overarching need remains the same, remote sites require access to QH staff to deliver clinically consistent safe service at sites historically heavily reliant on agency staffing. Many areas we have improved on, daunting task to start but worth it, proves you can do things which have never been considered before. Strengths of project are now beginning to show with positive engagement across all HHSs, fiscal improvements with reduced agency costs benefits evidenced. Challenge is to continue the positive trajectory, source funding and continue to recruit and deliver services. Intent is to be able to service 80% plus of staffing needs.
Key contact
Judy Morton
Emergency Department Nurse Manager
Townsville Hospital