Mrs Mitchell, the former Director of Nursing at Gosford Hospital, started in her new role on Monday, May 28.

She has spent the last two weeks meeting her new colleagues at Parkes and Forbes hospitals and the respective Community Health Centres.

Mrs Mitchell has more than 20 years experience in the health sector and was Director of Nursing at the Central Coast Hospital for four years before she and her husband decided to move west.

She said health care in rural areas presented a new set of challenges.

“I think one of the major challenges will be the tyranny of distance that people face in getting services,” Mrs Mitchell said.

However, she said this did not mean that services should be compromised.

“Not necessarily, but I think you have to look at the critical mass. We need to ensure all people have access but do that in a reasonable and sensible way,” she said.

“We know all our community needs to have access to health services so we are trying to do that in the best and most effective way we can.”

Mrs Mitchell said ensuring ready access to health services was a challenge everywhere, not just rural areas.

“Access is not just about distance but other factors affecting waiting times,” she said.

Mrs Mitchell said she was aware of anxiety among Parkes and Forbes residents about the future of health services under the new Lachlan umbrella.

“I’ll be working closely with the local Health Council and taking every opportunity I can to be involved in the community and hearing what their concerns are.

“Anyone from the community is able to speak with their local health council if they have particular concerns,” she said.

“I’m looking forward to getting to know people and learning what their needs are and being able to advocate for better health services.

“I need to do a lot of listening and learning.”

Mrs Mitchell and her husband [a B-double truck driver] have seven sons and nine grandchildren, seven of whom are girls.

It wasn’t until her children grew older that she decided to look at nursing as a serious career option.

At the age of 30, she commenced work with the then Department of Children’s Services (DOCS) as a Community Nurse.

She then gained a position at Nepean Hospital where she combined her work with studies at the University of Western Sydney – gaining her Masters Degree.

Mrs Mitchell and her husband are living in Parkes and also own a property between Cowra and Gooloogong.

They will soon be joined by their youngest son Paul who boasts experience in aged care and will be seeking a job locally.

Mrs Mitchell will divide her working hours evenly between Parkes and Forbes.

“Ultimately my intention is to be wherever the need is greatest that day,” she said.

“I intend to be as available as possible – I’m not afraid to go for a drive.”