Physiotherapist Elizabeth (left) spent four weeks via NSW Health Deployment Program at Broken Hill Hospital – and came away with big lessons and even bigger memories.
Check out the NSW Health Deployment Program.
"Dear Diary,
I spent four weeks at Broken Hill Hospital in the Physiotherapy department – and let’s just say, the experience was better than I ever expected.
The hospital had some gaps in their Allied Health team, so I jumped at the chance to bring my skills to a place that really needed them.
I trained at RPA in Sydney, so stepping into Broken Hill felt like the perfect way to put that experience to good use.
I ran tutorials for junior physios, shared resources, and worked on ICU cases – basically trying to cram as much knowledge-sharing as I could into my time there.
One of the biggest lessons I learned was how challenging it can be for rural and remote departments to operate. Despite all the challenges in workforce and operations, the staff – and the community – show incredible resilience.
There’s a strength and optimism in Broken Hill that I really admire.
I honestly think every big-city health worker should spend some time in a rural town. Both worlds have so much to teach each other.
Outside of work, I had a blast. I joined the local run club, made friends, and explored everything from the Silverton Pub to the local wildlife (yes, I met camels, donkeys, and ostriches). And don’t get me started on the sunsets – the view from Mundi Mundi lookout is so good it makes Sydney’s skyline look boring.
Short trip, big impact, even bigger memories. Broken Hill, you were a gem."
