Rural Doctors Foundation and Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation are improving ear health care across rural NSW

Rural GP practices across regional New South Wales are being invited to apply for free ear loupe equipment and training as part of a new initiative aimed at improving access to local ear health care.

Rural Doctors Foundation has received funding support from the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation for its Improving Rural Ear Health project, which will provide nine ear loupe start-up packages to rural medical practices across the state.

The project will focus on communities in the Central West, Mid North Coast, New England and Northern Rivers regions, with practices in Grafton, Taree, Armidale, Mudgee and Orange particularly encouraged to apply.

Ear loupes are specialised devices that allow clinicians to clearly and safely examine the ear canal and eardrum. They can support earlier detection and treatment of ear infections, impacted wax and other ear conditions, while offering patients a safe and pain-free alternative to traditional methods.

This project would help reduce barriers to care for rural patients, particularly in communities where access to specialist services can require long-distance travel.

Delayed diagnosis and treatment of ear disease could have far-reaching impacts. Ear disease can have a profound impact on health, education, employment and quality of life, particularly when diagnosis and treatment are delayed. 

In many rural communities, people must travel long distances to access specialist ear care. By equipping local practices with ear loupes and providing hands-on training, we can help ensure people receive timely, high-quality care close to home.”

Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation spokesperson and NGM Group Chief Distribution Officer Paul Juergens said the grant reflected their commitment to supporting stronger regional communities.

“Access to healthcare shouldn’t depend on your postcode, which is why we’re proud to support Rural Doctors Foundation’s Improving Rural Ear Health project,” Paul Juergens said.

“We know stronger regional communities rely on access to quality local services. By investing in practical initiatives like this, we’re helping improve health outcomes and supporting healthier, more resilient communities across regional New South Wales.”

Through the project, nine rural practices will receive ear loupes and training to help increase local access to ear care and build the skills and confidence of rural healthcare professionals. Expected outcomes include earlier detection of ear disease, improved local care, reduced specialist referrals and increased access to services in underserved communities.

Rural Doctors Foundation is now calling for expressions of interest from eligible GP practices in the target regions. Practices located in Grafton, Taree, Armidale, Mudgee and Orange are encouraged to register their interest in receiving a free ear loupe start-up package and training.

GP practices interested in the free ear loupe can express their interest by clicking on the button below and completing the Leave a Message form.