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ESTABLISHING A NEW UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF RURAL HEALTH: THE FIRST 2 YEARS OF THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN CENTRE FOR RURAL AND REMOTE HEALTH
Author(s) -
Wilkinson David,
Blue Ian,
Symon Brian,
Fuller Jeff,
Smith Mark
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
australian journal of rural health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.48
H-Index - 49
eISSN - 1440-1584
pISSN - 1038-5282
DOI - 10.1046/j.1440-1584.1999.00257.x
Subject(s) - public health , general partnership , rural health , multidisciplinary approach , rural area , medicine , medical education , nursing , economic growth , business , political science , finance , pathology , economics , law
ABSTRACT This study aimed to describe the establishment of a new University Department of Rural Health (UDRH) in South Australia and to report early achievements. In May 1997, the UDRH was established, key staff were recruited, infrastructure was developed and in April 1998 a Joint University Committee on Rural and Remote Health was formed. By mid‐1999, 14 full‐time equivalent staff were employed in Whyalla and Adelaide. Early achievements include: review of undergraduate rural placements; increased rural clinical placements by 1000 student‐weeks; partnership with the Dental School resulting in training opportunities and falling public dental waiting lists; multidisciplinary teaching practices in four rural sites; priority public health projects established; competitive research grants won; and a capital grant to strengthen Aboriginal health services infrastructure secured. These early achievements demonstrate UDRH potential to have a real impact on health worker education, service delivery, and public health status in rural and remote areas. This strong foundation must now be built on.