Emma began her journey with MLHD 20 years ago when she joined the organisation as a Child Protection Clinician. Photo: MLHD.
A familiar face from Riverina TV screens has been appointed to the helm of Murrumbidgee Local Health District’s (MLHD) department of Integrated Care and Allied Health.
Acting CEO Carla Bailey said she was excited to announce the appointment of Emma Field to the director position.
Not only does Emma have 20 years of experience working in the health sector, she also served as the Murrumbidgee Health Emergency Operations Centre’s deputy incident controller throughout the pandemic.
Emma was at press conferences regularly updating the public on the region’s response and rollouts of COVID-19 testing and vaccinations.
“These roles shone a light on her ability to bring together a strong, disciplined team to transition through difficult times,” Ms Bailey said.
Previously, Emma has held several senior management and director roles in community health and service improvement in delivering health programs for rural communities.
During her career Emma has been a member of various state and national organisations to advise government policy and procedures for the regions, focusing on women and families.
Emma is a registered psychologist and her passion for this area comes from her work with children and adults affected by complex trauma, domestic violence and sexual assault.
She was honoured with an excellence award in 2016 after she oversaw the design and build of a dedicated forensic room in the Wagga Base Hospital to serve as an emergency child protection unit.
The hospital formerly required affected children to travel for assessment services, but the new child protection unit allows 24-hour assessment service and accelerated local follow up in Wagga.
“Extra stress isn’t put on children, so there’s minimal disruption to the family,” Ms Field told the Daily Advertiser after she was presented with the award.
Emma explained her passion for rural health and innovation lies in meeting healthcare delivery challenges for local communities now and into the future.
“As a local to the Murrumbidgee, rural born and bred, I truly understand the importance of health care in our rural and regional communities,” Emma said.
Emma will be responsible for leading, directing and managing implementation of programs relating to key state and national programs and priority areas.
These programs include chronic care, child youth and family health, violence prevention and response, Aboriginal health, breast screening, population health, oral health, health promotion and the integrated care strategy.
“I’ve spent many years traversing our region and speaking with local people about their unique service needs, concerns and ideas,” Emma explained.
“I feel so honoured to be involved in shaping health care for people in the Murrumbidgee into the future.”
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