National Rural Health Network

1
National Rural Health Network

• Summary 2004
• Robyn Cooke Snr NRHN, FURHS 2004

2
Introduction

• The National Rural Health Network (NRHN) was
  established in 1996 following the inaugural
  Undergraduate Medical Students Conference in
  Kalgoorlie in 1995.
• Since that time it has grown as a student
  organization and is now the peak national body
  representing undergraduate medical, nursing, and
  allied health students with a common interest and
  passion for rural health

3
The NRHN

• Comprised of approximately 5000 students drawn
  from 18 Rural Health Clubs across Australia
• Dedicated to the multidisciplinary approach to
  health care

4
Where is the NRHN?
CARAH
5
The NRHNPromoting rural healthProviding
information, support and advocacy

• Promote rural health
• Provide information for RHC
• Provides link into Department of Health Ageing
  for opinions
• Support and Advocacy of issues

6
NRHN 2004 Objectives

• To continue to promote equity in the provision of
  adequately mentored and financially-supported
  rural and remote placements for all Allied
  Health, nursing and medical students.
• To raise awareness of rural and remote mental
  health and lifestyle issues affecting students,
  focusing on the provision of increased support in
  both clinical and non-clinical situations.
• To consolidate the NRHNs achievements in the
  areas of the Graduate Assistance and Partnerships
  (GAP) Program, Rural High Schools Visits and
  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health.

7
The NRHNPromoting rural healthProviding
information, support and advocacy

• Alliances and relationships with many key
  stakeholders involved in rural and remote health
• e.g. DoHA, CRANA, SARRAH, RDAA, ARRWAG, ARHEN,
  REFA, HCRRA
• A member body of the National Rural Health
  Alliance, the key body for rural health policy
  direction in Australia

8
NRHN Council

• Two Co-Chairs
• Immediate Past Chair(s)
• NRHA Representative Bek Ledingham Jnr
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
  Representative - Vacant
• One representative from each of the 18 Rural
  Health Clubs (Snr NRHN)
• Various Portfolios RHSVs, Nursing, Allied
  Health, AMSA Liaison, REFA, Gender, RUSC, GAPP
  etc

9
NRHN Activities in 2004

• Annual Face-to-Face Meeting in Canberra
• Regular Teleconferences
• Rural High School Visits
• 8th NURHC, Tanunda SA
• Information network via Liz Milford

10
NRHN 2005

• Rep is FURHS link to National news voice
• Mel Flint New Senior
• New junior elected in March
• Two year position
• Disseminate information to FURHS members
• Submit FURHS Activity Reports
• Gather opinions, survey responses etc
• FURHS to implement recommendations from 8th NURHC

11
8th NURHC

• What the people want delivery of health
  services in rural remote Australia.
• FURHS, ROUSTAH, AURMS
• 325 delegates (including 7 students from NZ, 6
  medical students, 1 physiotherapy student)
• Multi-D
• Common interest rural career

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NRHN YOU

• Support initiatives regarding rural health
  professionals people in rural and remote areas
  need a variety of health professionals, not only
  doctors, in order to have good health and healthy
  communities
• Offer students practical support in your area
  when they are on rural and remote placements
• Support initiatives that promote equal access to
  mentored and supported student placements in
  rural and remote locations
• Support the National Rural Health Network and
  publicise the work we do, especially to rural and
  remote communities and young people