Perfect blue skies and fading autumn colours had the centre looking at its best for the filming which took place two weeks ago.

One of only three HNEH centres selected to demonstrate creative initiatives in regional health, Walcha MPS was chosen because of an innovative emergency department pilot, that continues to streamline emergency care for Walcha residents according to Hunter New England Health (HNEH) communications officer Emma Gibbs.

Spearheaded by Walcha GP VMO Dr Adrian Allen as a means of improving after-hours life for rural doctors and giving highly experienced country nurses an opportunity to take on more responsibility in the emergency department, the pilot project was trialled in 2008.

Patients classified at the lower clinical priority - known as a Level 4 or Level 5 under the Australian Triage Standards - are treated quickly through the emergency department by a senior nurse rather than waiting for an on-call GP to attend the emergency department.

“We created the documentaries because we wanted to demonstrate that nursing in small centres does not prevent you from becoming involved in leading edge health care innovation,” said Miss Gibbs.

“The triage project at Walcha MPS is considered one of our most innovative projects to date.”

The information film will be shown on Channel 3 in Melbourne and Fox channels across NSW including Nurse TV, which screens on the Aurora channel.

“We will also be using the documentaries at various career fairs,” Miss Gibbs said.

Film production company Waterbird Films produced the film and was impressed with the atmosphere at Walcha MPS.

“This company produces Nurse TV and films in hospitals and medical centres right across Australia,” Miss Gibbs said.

“They commented on the strong co-operation and collegiate approach of the doctors and nursing staff at Walcha MPS as well as the warm reception the received.”

Both Janelle Archdale from the Walcha Local Health Advisory Committee and Dr Adrian Allen were interviewed about the MPS triage project and the benefits of living in the Walcha community and New England area.