After more than four decades of caring for local communities, veteran nurse and health administrator Libby Burnheim, is handing over the reins.

Ms Burnheim has given 44 years of service to Western Plains areas like Gilgandra and Coonamble, a contribution that was acknowledged at a staff farewell in Gulargambone on Wednesday 5 March.

"That's a huge commitment, it's a huge dedication and the leadership and collegiality you have shown is extraordinary," said Caren Harrison, General Manager of the Western NSW Local Health District.

"I would like to thank you on behalf of anyone who has ever worked with you - never for you - with you and alongside you."

For the first three years of her career, Ms Burnheim was based at St Vincents Hospital in Sydney.

One of her highlights was working in the cardiac unit with renowned heart surgeon Victor Chang.

"I remember I got to hold a beating heart in my hands," says Ms Burnheim. "I'll never forget that."

Health leaders Caren Robinson, Laura Dent, Libby Burnheim, and Jacqui Blackshaw. IMAGE: Lee O'Connor

In 1981, she came home to visit her family and - thanks to a nursing shortage at the time - was asked to "do a couple of shifts" at the hospital.

In the years following, she worked her way from Registered Nurse to being in charge of local Community Health services from around 1985, before being promoted to Health Service Manager for Coonamble hospital from 2007 to 2019.

She also had management stints at Walgett and Baradine hospitals, and spent time auditing health services in other remote areas like Bourke.

When the new health service model was introduced in late 2019, Ms Burnheim secured the role of Network Manager in charge of three Multi-Purpose Health Services across Coonamble, Gulargambone and Gilgandra.

"We share resources, staff and ideas across the Castlereagh Cluster,” she said.

“It's really been a great model and it's amazing the connectedness between the three towns."

Ms Burnheim says she's looking forward to having time to herself and while she's not yet sure what she'll do with all her spare time, she says she's confident she's leaving the local health services in good hands.

Incoming health cluster head Laura Dent with predecessor Ms Burnheim. IMAGE: Lee O'Connor

Coonamble-raised Laura Dent will take over from Ms Burnheim.

The changeover occurred on Friday 7 March, almost 44 years to the day that Ms Burnheim started her nursing career.

Caren Harrison said she is excited to see where Laura takes the Castlereagh Network.

“Laura is very calm and measured, she’s mature in her thinking and extra driven to be the best leader she can be," Ms Harrison said.

“She’s in a very fortunate position to be taking over from someone who has spent many years putting processes in place right across the three sites in Coonamble, Gilgandra and Gulargambone.

“It’s extremely well set up."

Ms Dent says she is keen to work with the whole team across the three sites.

“I am really excited to be given this opportunity,” she said.

“Libby has been an amazing role model and has always supported my career goals but they are big shoes to fill.

“I look forward to meeting all of the Castlereagh communities as the HSM and endeavour to continue to provide high quality care to all of our consumers.”