North West Hospital and Health Service (HHS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Gary Torrens as the new Assistant Director of Nursing – Kidney Services.

Mr Torrens brings over two decades of clinical expertise and leadership experience and is deeply committed to improving outcomes for patients living with chronic kidney disease across the North West.

"I am an Aboriginal man from Bundjalung Country, I’ve advocated for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the health system for many years now, as has my family before me, and this opportunity, with the cohort of patients we see, it’s mostly First Nations,” said Mr Torrens.

“My goal is that everyone in the North West has the same access to care, equity, and decision making, for their health journey.

“The availability of resources out here is a unique challenge, distance is another. Because a patient could be located in Camooweal, Normanton, Doomadgee, the community is very transient so trying to communicate with them or track them down to ensure they are getting the necessary care is important.”

Mr Torrens said strengthening relationships with community health workers, patients, and clinical partners will remain a core priority in his role.

Chronic kidney disease is a pressing health issues for communities in the region, with significant social and economic impacts on individuals, families, and communities.

Late-stage renal disease often requires intensive, lifelong treatment such as dialysis, which can disrupt connection to Country and community.

“A key thing is to empower people when they come along on their health journey. It’s about reinvigorating the practice, it’s about understanding the locals needs, understanding the community and hearing what they have to say and harnessing that to build the service up,” said Mr Torrens.

“My goal is to make this a sustainable kidney service that can cater to Aboriginal patients, Torres Strait Islander patients, and non-indigenous patients from all cultures.”

Mr Torrens will also lead efforts to further embed cultural safety in renal care delivery, with a strong emphasis on staff development, First Nations workforce pathways, and holistic care models that reflect the social and cultural realities of the communities NWHHS serves.

“Renal health is about more than treatment — it’s about prevention, education, trust, and access,” he said. “I look forward to working closely with our teams and communities to deliver services that are not only effective, but respectful and empowering.”

Mr Torrens will be based in Mount Isa and will oversee renal services across the North West region, including outreach programs and partnerships with local providers.