Ballarat Occupational Therapist moonlights in Edenhope
22 July 2024
When occupational therapist (OT) Rhiana Collins was offered the opportunity to split her work week between Ballarat and Edenhope, she jumped on it.
“I always wanted to work in a rural setting but still love my role in Ballarat, so this was a way to travel without having to leave my job,” she said.
“I’ve lived in Ballarat my whole life so I’m really excited to get to know a different population and be a bit more innovative about my approach in a smaller team.”
Rhiana will live and work in Edenhope every Monday to Wednesday, before returning to her Ballarat role on Thursdays and Fridays.
“These resource-sharing arrangements are exactly what we envisioned when we came together as Grampians Health,” said Claire Woods, Chief People Officer at Grampians Health.
“We have a pool of world-class professionals that can collaborate as one team, to ensure every community receives the best possible care.
“There are ample opportunities to explore a new role or a flexible arrangement, like Rhiana’s, and we encourage staff to express their interest in moving between locations.”
Variety is what attracted Rhiana to occupational therapy, which “brings something different every day”.
From rehabilitation to disability support, oncology assistance and transitioning people from acute hospital stays, Rhiana is packing a wealth of experience for her stint in Edenhope.
It was a career path she mapped out from a young age, inspired by two aunties that worked as OTs.
“We’re all about optimising and increasing independent living and what that means for people can vary so much across the lifespan,” Rhiana said.
“It’s so rewarding to improve people’s quality of life, even when it’s a small win like being able to put their socks on.
“In more profound cases we can assist people to live in their home, rather than moving into a care facility; it’s such a rewarding job.”
When she’s not working, Rhiana can be found on the netball court or at home on the potato farm with her fiancé and two dogs.
For information about OT services, contact the Health and Wellbeing HUB on 5585 9830.