Aidan Curtis
A LIMESTONE Coast doctor is feeling grateful after being nominated for a South Australian Community Achievement Award.
Harry James Gaffney has been nominated for the Rural Doctors Workforce Agency Rural Community Health and Wellbeing Award for his contributions to the medical community in the Limestone Coast Local Health Network.
In the nomination, Dr Gaffney was described as someone who spearheads rural patient and community engagement concerning patient-centred care.
“Furthermore, Harry’s dedication to education and training has resulted in significant advancements in rural healthcare,” the nomination said.
“Through his project work, research publications, and presentations at medical conferences, Harry has substantially contributed to the medical field and enhanced the quality of care provided in rural areas.”
Dr Gaffney said the nomination came as an exciting surprise.
“I did a TED Talk last year and it was on the power of communities and positive recognition and how the smallest compliment can change the trajectory of somebody’s life positively,” he said.
“To have that cycle back to me is something that I’m so grateful for.
“I believe giving recognition to anyone about their shoes or their attitude is definitely something that needs to be done more, so I’m grateful that’s come back my way.”
While he said he is thankful to be even nominated, Dr Gaffney said it is his passion for rural healthcare access that drives what he does.
“I’m a big advocate for healthcare accessibility, I think it’s one of the biggest factors that helps any health outcomes in any society, irrespective of their location geographically,” he said.
“I’ve made it my goal to, for as long as I possibly can, operate in rural areas and help advocate for healthcare access.
“I want to work rurally because I want to help, I want to be part of that community and help out with the accessibility of healthcare.”
Dr Gaffney also said he just wanted to be able to give something back to the community, regardless of whether it was through his professional or personal life.
“When it comes to balancing paid and unpaid work, a lot of people have their vices, they play video games or they go running,” he said.
“Mine is giving back to the community and mine is being involved in the community as much as possible, whether it be playing guitar on a random street corner or at the hospital, or writing a children’s book and handing it out to local cafes and businesses.
“They’re the sorts of things that give me energy and give me the pride in who I am because I’m giving back to a community that’s clearly giving a lot to me too.”
Winners of the 2023 Community Achievement Awards will be announced at a gala presentation dinner on Friday, November 10.
