Upload
rachel-drummond
View
219
Download
2
Tags:
Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
http://www.nrhsn.org.au/client_images/1304497.pdf
Citation preview
1
I n t h i s i s s u e• NRHSNExecutivehighlights2013priorities
• Fromstudentlifetoruralhealthworkforce
•MyelectiveplacementintheTopEnd
th
e f
ut
ure
of
ru
ra
l h
ea
lth
cooEE!April2013 www.nrhsn.org.au
C o o e e ! A p r i l 2 0 1 3
2
NRHSN Rural Health Clubs
1 ARMS
2 AURHA Adelaide University, SA
3 AWAIRH La Trobe University, VIC
4 BREAATHHE University of Newcastle, NSW
5 BUSHFIRE Bond University, QLD
6 CARAH Charles Darwin University with Flinders University), NT
7 CRANC University of Canberra, ACT
8 FURHS Flinders University, SA
9 HOPE4HEALTH
10 KRASH University of Notre Dame, WA
11 LARHC La Trobe University (Bendigo), VIC
12 MARHS Charles Sturt University, NSW
13 MIRAGE University of Sydney, NSW
14 NERCHA University of New England, NSW
15 NOMAD Deakin University, VIC
16 OUTLOOK University of Melbourne, VIC
17 RAHMS University of New South Wales, NSW
18 RHINO James Cook University, QLD
19 RHUUWS University of Western Sydney, NSW
20 ROUNDS Notre Dame University, NSW
21 ROUSTAH University of South Australia, SA
22 RUSTICA University of Tasmania, TAS
23 SHARP University of Wollongong, NSW
24 SPINRPHEX Combined Universities, WA
25 StARRH Charles Darwin University, NT
26 TROHPIQ University of Queensland, QLD
27 WAALHIIBE
28 WARRIAHS Charles Sturt University, NSW
29 WILDFIRE Monash University, VIC
25
10
6
2724
28
213
2915
22
1
2820 17
13
414
9
18
1611
12
19
237
5
26
Combined Universitiesof Western Australia
catchuponNRHSNnewsinsidecooee
To find out more: visit the websitewww.nrhsn.org.au
TheNationalRuralHealthStudents’Network(NRHSN)providesavoiceforstudentswhoarepassionateaboutimprovinghealthoutcomesforruralandremoteAustralians.TheStudentNetworkhasmorethan
9000memberswhobelongto29RuralHealthclubsatuniversitiesthroughoutAustralia.Theyincludestudentsstudyingmedical,nursingandalliedhealthcourses.TheNRHSNoffersmulti-disciplinary
networking,professionaldevelopmentandsupportandopportunitiestoenablepositiveruralhealthexperiences.TheNRHSNisfundedbytheAustralian
GovernmentandismanagedandauspicedbyRuralHealthWorkforceAustralia.
Future Workforce Team:KerrynEccleston,Program ManagerRachelDrummond,Membership & Technology Officer and Cooee! EditorLindaMccaffrey,Senior Project OfficerSharonMarch,Project OfficerSallyBlackstock,Project [email protected] 03 9860 4700www.nrhsn.org.au
AbouttheNationalRuralHealthStudents’Network
COOEE! COVER: MIRAGE members Cassandra Yee and Laura Crewdson show Victor Ward a model ear during a Rural High School Visit last year to Wilcannia Central School in New South Wales. Cassandra and Laura are speech pathology students and the shaving cream in the ear is designed to show the effects of wax build-up and the effect on hearing.
contentsNRHSN Executive update 3RHWA CEO Column 4Tools give students a start in rural and remote practice 5Indigenous Community Festivals – an important update 8From student life to the rural health workforce 9Go Rural campaign takes off 10NRHSN Council Face-to-Face Meeting 12My Elective Placement in the Top End 13Rural high School Visits 14regular featuresPortfolio updates 6-8Conferences of National Significance 11Rural Health Club Events 14Out and about 15
NRHSN Rural Health Clubs
1 ARMS
2 AURHA Adelaide University, SA
3 AWAIRH La Trobe University, VIC
4 BREAATHHE University of Newcastle, NSW
5 BUSHFIRE Bond University, QLD
6 CARAH Charles Darwin University with Flinders University), NT
7 CRANC University of Canberra, ACT
8 FURHS Flinders University, SA
9 HOPE4HEALTH
10 KRASH University of Notre Dame, WA
11 LARHC La Trobe University (Bendigo), VIC
12 MARHS Charles Sturt University, NSW
13 MIRAGE University of Sydney, NSW
14 NERCHA University of New England, NSW
15 NOMAD Deakin University, VIC
16 OUTLOOK University of Melbourne, VIC
17 RAHMS University of New South Wales, NSW
18 RHINO James Cook University, QLD
19 RHUUWS University of Western Sydney, NSW
20 ROUNDS Notre Dame University, NSW
21 ROUSTAH University of South Australia, SA
22 RUSTICA University of Tasmania, TAS
23 SHARP University of Wollongong, NSW
24 SPINRPHEX Combined Universities, WA
25 StARRH Charles Darwin University, NT
26 TROHPIQ University of Queensland, QLD
27 WAALHIIBE
28 WARRIAHS Charles Sturt University, NSW
29 WILDFIRE Monash University, VIC
25
10
6
2724
28
213
2915
22
1
2820 17
13
414
9
18
1611
12
19
237
5
26
Combined Universitiesof Western Australia
Executivecommittee2013
Welcometothefirstinstalmentofcooee!for2013.WehopethisillustriouspublicationprovidesaninsightintowhatanamazingandsignificantnetworktheNRHSNhasbecomeovertheyears.ThisinpartisduetothegreatworkofpastExecutivecommitteessuchasthe2012teamofSimonReid,JamesRothandBencrough,pastportfolioholders,RuralHealthWorkforceAustralia(whoauspiceandmanagetheNRHSN)staffandRuralHealthclubexecutives.onbehalfoftheNetworkandour9000+memberswewouldliketothankeveryoneforyourcontributiontotheNetwork,itsinitiativesandruralhealth.Let us introduce ourselvesThisyearhasstartedwithabang,andeverythingisfullsteamahead.Sopleaseallowustointroduceourselves.DanielFaux,4thYearmedicalstudentatGriffithUniversityandHoPE4HEALTHmember;KatherineHumphreys,4thYearphysiotherapystudentatcurtinUniversityandWAALHIIBEmemberandJillianFerrell,4thYearmedicalstudentattheUniversityofQueenslandandTRoHPIQmember.Wearethe2013ExecutiveTeamandwe’relookingforwardtoworkingwitheveryonetoensuretheNetworkremainsstrong,vibrantandcontemporary.2013willseeusworkingtowardstheNetwork’spurposeofprovidingopportunitiesandsupportforstudentstoexperienceruralandremotehealthwhilstadvocatingonbehalfofstudentsexperiences.
Our goals 1.AssistRuralHealthclubsin
increasingtheiractivemembershipnumbers
2.FortifyingrelationshipsbetweenthePortfolios,RuralHealthclubsandtheExecutive
3.Advocatingforgreaterruralhealthequality.
Wehavebeenworkingtowardsthesegoalsoverthelastfewmonths,inconjunctionwiththePortfolioholdersandRuralHealthclubs.Our voiceTheNRHSNNationalPrioritiesPaperiscurrentlybeingreviewedtoensurethatwe,asaNetwork,areadvocatingforwhatourmemberswant.PuttingtogetherthisvaluabledocumentisanimmensetaskandwewouldliketothankthecommunityandAdvocacyPortfoliofortheirgreatworkonthis.
The Extended scope of practice, emerging health professions and rural career pathway attraction opportunitiespositionpaperandtheoptimisingRuralPlacementsGuidelineswerepassedbycouncilearlierthisyear.YoucanviewtheNRHSN’spositionpapersatwww.nrhsn.org.au/positionpapers.Be connectedInlinewithoursecondgoalwehavealsoencouragedthePortfoliostoregularlycontributetoourFortnightlye-Newsletter,FacebookPage(www.facebook.com/nrhsn)andclubRegionalTeleconferences.
WereallyenjoyedmeetingandcatchingupwiththeNRHSNcouncilmembersattheMarchNRHSNcouncilFace-to-FaceMeeting.TherearesomanyinspiringpeopleintheNetwork,whichiswhatmakesitsuchagreatopportunitytobeinvolvedin.RHC supportTherearealargenumberofresourcesavailableforRuralHealthclubsontheNRHSNwebsite,weencourageyoutoexplorethesite(includingtheloginsectionforclubExecutives)toseewhatsupportisavailable.TheExecutivearealsoalwayswillingtohelpsopleasesendusanemailforanyqueriesyoumayhave.Inspiring RHC events and activitiesTheshearnumberanddiversityofeventsandactivitiestheRuralHealthclubshaveorganisedfortheirmembersistrulyamazing.SeealloftheRuralHighSchoolVisits,clinicalSkills,careerInformationnights,closetheGapeventsandmuch,muchmoreatwww.nrhsn.org.au/events.Wehavegreatlyenjoyedourrole
overthelastfewmonths,andwelookforwardtoworkingwiththeNetwork’sinspirationalandmotivatedstudentsacrossAustraliatoensurethat2013isanothersuccessfulyearforruralandremotehealth.All the best, until next time. Dan, Kat and Jillian.e: [email protected]
3
2013StudentExecutivecommitteeL-RKatherineHumphreys,DanielFaux,JillianFerrell
2013StudentExecutivecommitteeatmediatraining
L-RKatherineHumphreys,DanielFaux,JillianFerrell
C o o e e ! A p r i l 2 0 1 3
4
Reachforthestars
Greg Sam, RHWA CEO
rural health workforce
Therehasneverbeenabettertimeinthiscountrytoconsideracareerinruralhealth.Youcanlearnsomuch,helpsomany
andhaveagreatlifeatthesametime.Thevarietywillkeepyouinterested
–allthewayfromtrulyconnectedcommunitycarethroughtothechallengesofIndigenoushealthandtropicalmedicine.Ifyouwantto,youcan
reallymakeadifferencewithouthavingtoleaveAustralia.Andattheendofthedayyouwon’tbe
stuckinatrafficjamheadinghometoahousethatisbarelyaffordableortryingtomakeadashacrosstowntopickupthekids.Localclubs,incrediblenaturalscenery,aburgeoningregionalartssceneandasmorgasbordofoutdooractivitiesareyourstoenjoy.Therearemanytownsand
communitiesthatneedyou.Andtherearemanyruralhealthpractitionersonlytoowillingtopassontheskillsthatalifetimeofexperiencehasprovided.Wealsoknowthatasignificant
numberofthesehealthprofessionalsareapproachingretirementwhichtranslatestodemandforpeoplelikeyou.Nowisyourtime.Makethemostof
it.See,doandlearn…andimaginethesortofpersonyoucouldbeonceyougraduate.TheFederalGovernmentisoffering
arangeofincentives,scholarshipsandsupportforthosewhoareinterested.Ifyouwanttomakethemove,letus
know.ourorganisationrepresentsanationalnetworkofnot-for-profitRuralWorkforceAgencieswhocanhelpyoufindtherightjobinaplacethat’srightforyou.Theagencieshaveextensivelinkswith
regionaltrainingproviders,localhospitalnetworksandpeoplewhocanguideyoualongthecareerpathway.Andtheopportunitiesareamazing
–spreadlikethestarsacrossthisvastcontinentof7.6millionsquarekilometres.Reachoutandgrabone.Itwillchange
yourlife.
PEAK BODY Rural Health Workforce Australia www.rhwa.org.au 03 9860 4700
NSW NSW Rural Doctors Network www.nswrdn.com.au 02 4924 8000
VIC RWAV www.rwav.com.au 03 9349 7800
QLD Health Workforce Queensland www.healthworkforce.com.au 07 3105 7800
SA Rural Doctors Workforce Agency www.ruraldoc.com.au 08 8234 8277
WA Rural Health West www.ruralhealthwest.com.au 08 6389 4500
TAS Health Recruitment Plus Tasmania www.healthrecruitmentplus.com.au 03 6334 2355
NT Northern Territory Medicare Local www.ntml.org.au 08 8982 1000
The Rural Health Workforce Network
About usRural Health Workforce Australia seeks to improve community access to primary healthcare services in rural and remote Australia.
We are the peak body for the state and territory Rural Workforce Agencies which attract, recruit and support health professionals in rural and remote areas.
Together, we work to close the ‘divide’ in primary healthcare services between urban and non-urban Australia.
In partnership with our state and territory members, we manage national programs that address the shortage of rural and remote health professionals. We do this by recruiting health professionals
rural health workforce
to work in rural and remote communities, engaging students in rural health careers and supporting health workers in the bush.
A not-for-profit organisation, RHWA is funded by the Federal Department of Health and Ageing to whom we provide policy and program advice.
Stay in touch via social mediaConnect with the latest news from RHWA via twitter and facebook. Our twitter handle is @RuralHealthOz and you can find us on facebook at www.facebook.com.au/RuralHealthWorkforce
Contact usRural Health Workforce Australia
Suite 2, Level 5, 10 Queens Road, Melbourne VIC 3004
Telephone 61 3 9860 4700Facsimile 61 3 9820 8383Email [email protected] Web www.rhwa.org.au
HWA nursing consultation
HealthWorkforceAustralia(HWA)haslaunchedaconsultationfornursingworkforceretentionandproductivity.Acomprehensiveconsultationdocumentisavailableontheirwebsitewhichcontainsinformationaboutthecurrentnursingworkforce.HWAareinvitingfeedbackontheconsultationdocumentwhichcanbecompletedonlineatwww.hwaconnect.net.au.Feedbackisdueby30April2013.
StudentsandnewgraduatesofalliedhealthcoursesarefindingtheirstartinremoteandruralpracticeismadeeasierwiththehelpofatoolkitdevelopedbyServicesforAustralianRuralandRemoteAlliedHealth(SARRAH).SARRAH’sRemoteandRuralTransition
Toolkitisafreeonlineresourcetosupportalliedhealthprofessionalsandstudentsstartingoutinruralpractice.Thetoolkitincludeslearningmodules
thatcanbecompletedonlineforaseamlessstartinremoteandruralpractice.Thelearningmodulesinclude:• Selfcare• confidentialityandProfessional
Boundaries• culturalSafety• TranslationEvidenceBasedPractice• PrimaryHealthcare.Inaddition,fournewmodulesarecurrentlyunderdevelopment.Theseinclude:• WorkloadManagementand
Prioritisation• Workingtogetherinateam• TransitiontoRemoteandRural
outreach• ServiceEvaluationandPlanningSARRAHcEoRodWellingtonsaidthetoolkithadbeenwidelyusedandwelcomedbystudents,newgraduatesandexperiencedpractitionersnewtoremotepractice.“WorkinginremoteandruralAustralia
isextremelyrewarding,butitrequiresauniquesetofskillsandknowledgethatthetoolkithelpsalliedhealthpractitionerstobuildattheirownpace,”hesaid.“Iencourageallstudentsworking
towardsdegreesinalliedhealthtovisitthesiteandseeforthemselvesthebenefitsoftakinguparemoteorrural-basedcareer.”Thesiteincludesreallifestoriesfrom
alliedhealthprofessionalswhohavemadethejourneytoremotesettings.MrWellingtonsaidformanyyoungalliedhealthprofessionals,remoteandruralworkofferedthechancetotakeona
widerrangeofpatientsthantheymayotherwiseseeinthecities.“Thedemographicsofbigcitiesmeans
thattheareayouworkincandeterminethepatientsyousee,whereasinremoteandruralsettings,practitionersseearangeofpatientswithdiversebackgroundsfromawidergeographicalarea.”
Toolsgivestudentsaseamlessstartinremoteandruralpractice
In my fourth year of an Occupational Therapy Course at the University of South Australia I was given the chance to undertake a rural placement in Port Pirie, South Australia, with five other OT Students for a three month adventure that truly set the pathway for unforgettable memories, experiences, opportunities and friendships that grew stronger than we had ever imagined.
Renae makes the move from city student to rural practice
The knowledge and skills that we developed working in Port Pirie have carried on till this very day as a clinician. I learnt the importance of including communities in practice and service delivery. To have an understanding of the rural living and social determinants that impact on health. My confidence to communicate and develop working partnerships effectively was increased, as was my capacity to build professional networks. All of these have greatly benefited my clinical work since.
Of course there are ups and downs, moving away from friends/family to the ‘unknown’, anxieties of my clinical judgement and working with complex clients and communities. However, embracing the challenge, learning from mistakes, taking on advice and direction from colleagues, meeting new friends and living life - playing sport, camping, dinners, quiz nights and road trips has made this transition truly effortless.
“Thiscanmakeitaverygoodtraininggroundfordevelopingcompetency,resourcefulnessandflexibilityfromtheverystartofyourcareer.”MrWellingtonsaidSARRAHmembers
workinallstatesandterritories,withmanypromotedtohigh-flyingpositionsingovernmentandtheprivatesectorwithouthavingtomovetothecity.“SARRAHmembershaveprovedthat
alliedhealthprofessionalscanhaveahighlysuccessfulcareerworkinginruralandremoteAustralia,wherethelifestylebenefits–notrafficjamsorsmogandastrongsenseofcommunity–onlyaddtotheadvantagesofworkingoutsidethebigcities.”
ByRenaeStrugnell,anoccupationaltherapistworkinginPortPirie,SA
5
C o o e e ! A p r i l 2 0 1 3
6
L-RTaraNaige,MitchellMilanovic
NRHSNportfolioupdatesfor2013
AswewelcometheNewYear,thecommunityandAdvocacyPortfolio(cAP)seniorrepresentatives,MitchellMilanovicandFrankieGarnett,wouldliketointroducethenewjuniorrepresentativestotheteam,TaraNaigeandLucyDobson.BothhavecomefromDeakinUniversityandwelookforwardtoworkingtogetherasateamthisyear.
In2013,westrivetomaintainourstakeholderrelationships.WecontinueourinvolvementwiththeNationalRuralHealthAlliance(NRHA)withMitchandTararepresentingusinseniorandjuniorpositions,respectively.Wehavealsointroducedanewjuniorposition,whichLucywillundertake,toworkwithandsupportFrankie’sinvolvementwiththeAustralianRuralHealthEducationNetwork(ARHEN).March2013markedthepassingofanew
NRHSNpositionpaper,“Extendedscopeofpractice,emerginghealthprofessionsandruralcareerpathwayattractionopportunities”.ThepaperoutlinesstrategiesthatcouldhelpdeliveramoreproductiveworkforcetoruralandremoteAustralia,theseincludethedevelopmentofextendedscopeofpracticeforcurrenthealthprofessionalsandtheintroductionofnewhealthassistantroles.Excitingly,FrankiewillbepresentingthispaperattheupcomingNationalRuralHealthconference(NRHc)inAdelaidethismonth.
TheNRHcwasheld7-10April,wherecAPwasonceagaininvolvedintheconferenceprogram,includinganNRHSNstudentintroductionsession.ItwasveryexcitingtohavesomanystudentsattendinginAdelaidewiththecoNSfundingbeingexhaustedforthisevent!Welookforwardtoupdatingyouwiththefruitsfromtheconference.Lastly,butnotatallleast,cAPare
currentlyrevisingtheNRHSNNationalPrioritiesPaper(NPP)toensurethatitisstillfreshandrelevant,representingourcurrentviewsasaNetwork.Thispaperispresentedtogroupsthatinfluenceruralhealthplacementsandscholarships.SotoensuretheNPPisaccurate,wehavecreatedasurveythatallruralhealthclubmemberscanaccesstoprovidefeedbackonthecurrentpriorities.Thesurveycanbefoundatwww.nrhsn.org.au/advocacy,andthecurrentNPPisontheNRHSNwebsite.cAPlookforwardtohearingyour
responsessothatwecanmovetheNRHSNforwardandaccuratelyrepresentthecurrentthoughtsofmembers.Asalways,ifyouhavequestions,commentsorneedsomehelpwithinyourRuralHealthclubwithadvocacypleasedonothesitatetocontactusatadvocacy@nrhsn.org.au.
The2013AlliedHealthPortfolio(AHP)SeniorRepresentatives,chrisMyers,IngridDiepandBencrough,welcomethenewJuniorRepresentativestotheportfolio–HeidiBeames,AnnieNicholsandMarcEskander.MarcandAnniewillworkwiththeSeniorRepresentativesonstakeholderrelationships.TheAHPisexcitedtoannouncethatthe
portfoliowillnowhaveRuralHighSchoolVisits(RHSV)incorporatedintoit.HeidiBeameshastakenontheRHSVroleontheportfoliofor2013.HeidiandtheAHPwillworkwiththeNursingandMidwiferyPortfolioandtheMedicalPortfoliotoensuretheRuralHealthclubsaregettingthemostoftheRHSV’s.AnarticlepublishedintheRMWilliams“outback’magazinestartsapositiveandbusytimefortheRHSV’s.Thearticle“HealthyFutures’canbefoundontheNRHSN2013Mediawebpage–www.nrhsn.org.au.
TheAHPwillbechangingitsinternaldelegationstructuretoallowforourSeniorRepresentativestohavebetterrelationshipsandcollaborativenetworkswithourcurrentstakeholdersin2013.ThischangewillkeepandbuilduponthestrengthsofstakeholderssuchasSARRAHandcRANAplusaswellasmakingnewoneswithgroupssuchasoTAustraliaandAustralianPhysiotherapyAssociation.ThisyeartheAHP,whilstmeeting
withstakeholdersandfosteringbetterrelationships,willproduceasurveybasedaroundalliedhealthaccommodationwhengoingonplacements.Thiswillbesentoutformemberstocomplete.TheresultwillhelpshapefutureNRHSNadvocacywork.WewillworkwithourRHWAstaffmembersonincreasinggeneralRHSVparticipationaswellasalliedhealthstudentparticipation.Abigfocuswillbetomeetasmany
stakeholdersaspossibleatconferenceswherewearehelpingtoorganiseandpresentabstracts.WewillalsoworkwithRuralHealthclubstoensurethattheiralliedhealthmembersarehavinggoodopportunitiesattheiruniversity.Ifyouwouldliketogetincontactwithuspleaseemailalliedhealth@nrhsn.org.au
AlliedHealthPortfolioChris Myers, Ingrid Diep, Ben Crough, Heidi Beames, Annie Nichols, Marc Eskandere:[email protected]:nrhsn.org.au/alliedhealth
AlliedHealthPortfolioSeniorRepresentatives:L-RBencrough,
chrisMyers
communityandAdvocacyPortfolioMitchell Milanovic, Francesca Garnett, Tara Naige, Lucy Dobsone:[email protected]:nrhsn.org.au/advocacy
MedicalPortfolioJohn Clark, Natalie Kew, David Khoo, Viktor Koe:[email protected]:nrhsn.org.au/medical
ViktorKo
HellotoallournewandcontinuingNursingandMidwiferyRuralHealthclub(RHc)studentsaroundthecountry!Wehavehadabusystartto2013,kicking
offwithamakeover!WearepleasedtoannouncethatwearenowtheNursingandMidwiferyPortfolio(NaMP).ManythanksgotocatherineRyan(2012Senior)forinitiatingtherecognitionofourMidwiferystudentsoutthere.But,whoarewe?YourSenior
Representativefor2013iscarolMudford;she’sa3rdyearnursingstudentatcharlesSturtUniversityinAlbury(NSW),amemberofMARHS,andlovesagoodcampfire.YourJuniorRepresentativefor2013isMelissachilds;she’sa3rdyearnursingstudentatFlindersUniversityinAdelaide(SA),amemberofFURHS,andlovestotravel.Our goals for 2013 are to:• tosupportclubsindevelopingNursing
andMidwifery(N&M)studentmembershipandparticipation
• shareopportunitiesandinitiativesthatsupportN&Mstudents
NursingandMidwiferyPortfoliocommittee:L-RcarolMudford,Melissachilds
NursingandMidwiferyPortfolioCarol Mudford, Melissa Childse:[email protected]:nrhsn.org.au/nursing
• maintainanddevelopstakeholderrelationships.
This means we are: • EstablishingcontactwithRHc’stosupport
therecruitmentofN&Mstudents• IdentifyingrelevantMidwifery
organisations(ifyou’reaMidwiferystudentwithideasofhowwecanbestsupportyou,we’dlovetohearfromyou!)
• Findingandpromoting:•RuralplacementscholarshipopportunitiesforN&MStudentsnationally•RuralthemedN&Mconferences,toincreasetherangeofcoNSfundingavailabletoN&Mstudents
• ReviewingthecRANAplusstudent‘RemoteEmergencycare’and‘MaternityEmergencycare’courselocation,withtheaimofopeningupthecoursestomorestudents
• And,we’reseekingN&Mstudentrolemodelsfromaroundthecountry,topromotetheruralhealthworktheyareundertaking.ouraimistopromote
rurallyfocusededucationandclinicalplacements,whilstalsorecognisingtheinspiringactivitiesofN&Mstudents.Letusknowabouttheawesomethingsyouorafriendaredoing!
Mostofall,wearesuperkeentohearwhatYoUwantfromus.AreyouaMidwiferystudentwithaparticularruralissueatheart?AreyouaclubstrugglingwithN&Mmembers?orareyou…?ouraimistoconnectwithYoUandstrengthentheNursingandMidwiferystudentvoice…we’reaprettynoisypairourselves,butwewantYoURvoice,sogetintouchandletusknowwhatwecandoforyou!contactusatnursing@nrhsn.org.au
7
ThisyearmyaimistoincreaseourinteractionwiththeRuralHealthclubs(RHcs),throughdirectcontactwiththeRHcpresidentsandNRHSNrepresentatives.I’mlookingforwardtoworkingwithNSWandQLD;NatalieiskeepingtabsonVIc,TASandAcT,whilstViktorsaysG’daytoWAandSA.Hopetohearfromyousoon!Natalie KewI’ma3rdyearmedicalstudentworkingintheWesternsuburbsofMelbourne.IamalsothePresidentofMelbourneUni’sRHc,outlook.Forme2013willbeallaboutlearningtheropesofthemedicalportfolio,workingonStudentServicesandAmenitiesFees(SSAF)advocacy,theEntrytoMedicineRuralGuideandrepresentingallofyouontheNRHSNatthevariousstakeholdermeetings.TheMedicalPortfoliowillbeworkinghardontheirnewproject,aguideonentryintoMedicineandruralscholarshipsoropportunities.
2013willbeanothersportingyearfortheMedicalPortfolio.WehavekickedoffwithpositivediscussionwiththeNationalRuralFaculty(RAcGP),AustraliancollegeofRuralandRemoteMedicine(AcRRMBSPandJFPP)andRuralDoctor’sAssociationAustralia(RDAAJuMP).ourMarchFace-to-FaceMeetingopenedconversationwithFederationofRuralAustralianMedicalEducators(FRAME)andGeneralPracticeStudentNetwork(GPSN)whowelookforwardtoworkingwithlaterthisyear.Wehavealsooutlinednewandcontinuinggoals.John ClarkToallournewmembersoftheNRHSN,welcome.I’moneof4medicalportfoliorep’s.ThisyearI’mdoingmyfinalyearofmedicalschoolthroughMonashincountry,cityandoverseashospitals.Pleasesharewithusyourexperiencesofyouruniversity,ruralplacementsandadventuresaswewouldlovetohearfromyou.
Viktor KoFinallyIamViktor,Ilookforwardtocrossingpathswithyouandcontributingtowardsmakingthisyearinterestingforyou.Werelyonourmember’scontributionssodon’thesitatetogetincontact.Weareinterestedintheruralactivitiesatyourmedicalschooloranyoutstandingstudentyouthinkdeservesapatontheback.ShareitwithyourRHcpresident,NRHSNRepresentativesorusdirectly.checkoutourwebpagewithourportfolio
member’sprofilesandinformationfor2013.ViktorKoonbehalfoftheMedicalPortfolio
C o o e e ! A p r i l 2 0 1 3
L-RLisaWaters,SophieAlpen
8
IndigenousHealthPortfolioLisa Waters, Sophie Alpene:[email protected]:nrhsn.org.au/indigenoushealth
alistoffestivalsthatareavailablefortheRHc’stoattendaswellasoptionsofotheractivitiestoengagewithIndigenousstudents.IfyouhaveagoodstructurealreadyinplaceforyourRHcaroundIndigenousFestivalsoranyotheractivitiesaroundthecountrypleasekeepusintheloopindigenous_health@nrhsn.org.au.WehavebeenincontactwithNational
AboriginalcommunitycontrolledHealthorganisation(NAccHo),withregardstobeinginvolvedintheirworkaroundculturalsafetyguidelinesandarewaitingaresponse.Wehavealsobeenlookingatsomegreatwebsitesthatcontainaccessibleculturalsafetyguidelines.ThePortfolioitselfhasupdateditsgoalsintermsofbeingappropriateandrealisticwhichbetterreflectandguidetheteam.Keepyoureyesonthewebpagesfortheseexcitingupdates.Sophiewasluckyenoughtoattend
theNationalRuralHealthconference(NRHc)inAdelaide,whichhadgreatsessionsonIndigenoushealthparticular
withculturalsafety,appropriatedeliveryofservices,specificallyeyehealth.Theconferencewasafantasticnetworkingopportunitywithourstakeholders,non-stakeholderorganisations,professionalsworkinginIndigenoushealthandstudents.Finally,wehavebeenincrediblyexcited
tohearaboutsomeofthefantastic‘closetheGap’eventsthatwereheldonthe24thMarch.IfyourRHcdidnotmanagetoorganiseoneit’snevertoolatetohavea‘closetheGap’eventanditisafantasticopportunitytoengagewithlocalIndigenousorganisations,highlightthemassiveinequitythatstillexistsbetweenIndigenousandNonIndigenousHealthandfocusonsomeofthewaysyouenvisagehealthmovingforwardforIndigenouspeople.
Well,theyearhasbeenexcitingfortheIndigenousPortfolio.Therehavebeensomegreatbeginningsinstrengtheningournetworkingopportunities.RobertJonesfromAustralianIndigenousDoctorsAssociation(AIDA),whopresentedattheFace-to-FacemeetinginMarch,hasbeengreatindiscussingourdesiretonetworkwithallofthestudentrepresentativesfromAIDA.ItisnowbeingdiscussedattheboardandcEolevelandhopefullywewillbeabletohelplinkAIDAandtheRHc’s.congressofAboriginalandTorresStraitIslanderNurses(cATSIN)hashadajointletterdraftedinconjunctionwiththenursingportfolio,whichwillhopefullyhelptoincreaseourmembershipwithIndigenousNursingstudents.FinallyJustincain-Bloxsome,theamazingNRHSNIndigenousHealthRepresentativefromlastyearwillbeourmajorpointofcontactforinroadsintothealliedhealthprofessionaldomain.TheworkaroundIndigenousFestivals
continuesasasweworkwithRuralHealthWorkforceAustraliatogenerate
IndigenouscommunityFestivals–animpo rtantupdate
RoUNDSmembersatanIndigenouscommunityFestivalinWarchope,NSW.
EachyearRuralHealthclub(RHc)membershaveenjoyedparticipatinginIndigenouscommunityFestivalsasarequirementoftheirNRHSNfunding.
ThemainfestivalsthatRHc’shaveparticipatedin,Wakikirri,DeadlyDaysandVibeAlive,areunfortunatelynotrunningthisyear.
IndigenouscommunityFestivalsprovideRHcstudentstheopportunityto:• provideprimaryandhighschool
studentswithinformationabouthealthylifestylesandhealthcareersencouragingthemtopursuethatpathway;and
• havepositiveruralexperiences.Researchiscurrentlyunderway
onreplacementactivities.Wehaveestablishedthattherearelimitedfestivalsrunningin2013thatwillenableRHc’stodeliverthehealthylivingandhealthcareersmessagetoIndigenousprimaryandhighschoolstudents.Vibe 3on3TheVibe3on3BasketballandHipHopchallengeisa‘travellingsportandmusicfestivalthatbringstogetherIndigenousandnon-Indigenousyoungpeopleforafundayofbasketball,
9
IgrewupinruralSouthAustraliaintownssuchasStrathalbynandVictorHarbor.IhavejustcompletedmyBachelorofSpeechPathologyatFlindersUniversityandIamcurrentlyhalfwaythroughalactationcourse.Workinginaruralcommunitygivesmetheopportunitytogainabroadrangeofexperiencesasanewgraduateandgivebacksomethingeventhoughsmalltomycommunity.Iamabletoseepaediatricsrightthroughtotheelderly.Thetransition
fromuniversitytoworkhashaditschallenges.WithlimitedjobavailabilityespeciallyinthepublicsectorinruralSouthAustraliaImanagedtoget
apositionasasoloprivatespeechpathologistworkingforSoutherncrosscare’snewfacility,theTherapyLifestylecentre,anewnot-for-profitAlliedHealthcentreforallagesbasedinGoolwa.BeingpartoftheRuralHealth
ProfessionalProgram(RHPP)hasmadethetransitionfromunitoworking
asasolospeechpathologisteasier.Theprogramnotonlyprovidesmewithfinancialassistancebutalsoamentor.Mymentorisamazingsheisalwaysaphone
calloranemailawayandwemeetonceamonthfor4hours.Inour4hoursIamabletogothroughdifficultcasesandscenariosaswellassitinonherclientsessions.ThisallowsmetolearnwhattechniquesheusestotreatclientsaswellasmakingsurethatIamcontinuingwithmyprofessionaldevelopment.TherewasonesituationwhereI
neededtomakeafairlybigdecisionregardingapatient.Asanewgraduateandnothavingaseniorspeechpathologistthiswouldhavebeenaverydauntingexperience.HoweverhavingmymentorallowedmetodebriefanddiscussmydecisionwithherandprovidemewiththeconfidencethatIhadmadetherightdecisions.ThroughoutuniversityIwasanactive
memberofmyRuralHealthclub,FURHS,andtheNRHSNwhichprovidedmewiththeskillsandknowledgetoknowwhattoexpectandhowtoadapttoworkingasahealthprofessionalinaruralcommunity.Italsogavemetheopportunitytoknowwhathelpandassistancewasavailablefornewgraduates,suchastheRHPP.IfthereisanyonewhoisconsideringacareerinruralAustraliabutalittleunsureIhighlyrecommendgoingruralyouwillnotregretit.
Fromstudentlifetotheruralhealthworkforce
clareSutcliffetalksabouthertransitionfromstudenttoaruralhealthprofessionalandthebenefitsthattheRuralHealthProfessionalsProgram
hasprovidedduringthisperiod.
“The program not only provides me with financial
assistance but also a mentor.”Things that can help are:GetinvolvedwithyourRuralHealthclub-it’samazinghowmuchyouwilllearnandmoreimportantlythefunexperiencesyouwillhave.GetintouchwithRuralHealth
WorkforceAustralia-theycanprovideyouwithinformationonwhereyoucangetassistance.
Appointment of Chief Allied Health Officer
TheMinisterforHealth,TanyaPlibersekhasannouncedtheestablishmentofthecommonwealth’sfirstchiefAlliedHealthofficer.Theannouncementprovidesrecognitionofthecontributionofalliedhealthprofessionalstothehealthwell-beingofallAustralians.“Allied health professionals make up about 20 per cent of the health workforce in Australia, providing vital services to patients and the establishment of a Chief Allied Health Officer will further strengthen and support their work,”saidMsPlibersek.ThechiefAlliedHealthofficerwillfocusonimprovingthedeliveryofalliedhealthservicesinthebush,whilstensuringallAustraliansbenefitfromwellintegratedmedical,nursingandalliedhealthcareservices.
IndigenouscommunityFestivals–animpo rtantupdatedancingandmusic’.Theyhaveamajorhealthfocusviathehealthexpothataccompaniestheday.DateswillbeconfirmedshortlyandRHc’swillbeadvised.Other alternativesIfFestivalsarenotanoptionforyourRHc,analternativemaybeforyourclubtoorganiseaneventoractivityinaruralorremoteIndigenouscommunity.Wewillkeepyouinformedviathe
NRHSNwebsiteandFortnightlyUpdatee-newsletteroftheoutcomes.Help!Ifstudentsknowofanylocaleventthatyoubelievewillsatisfythecriterialistedabove,orifyouhaveanyideasaboutalternativestoattendanceatIndigenousfestivals,[email protected],wewelcomeyourthoughtsandsuggestions.
C o o e e ! A p r i l 2 0 1 3
AnationalcampaigntoattractyoungdoctorsandmedicalstudentstoruralpracticehasbeenlaunchedwiththebackingoftheFederalGovernment.TheGoRuralAustraliacampaign
showcasesthelifestyleandprofessionalbenefitsofcareersinruralmedicine,includingaccesstosomeofthebestearlyyeartrainingopportunitiesinthecountry.ItisrunbyRuralHealthWorkforce
Australiainpartnershipwiththenationalnetworkofnot-for-profitRuralWorkforceAgencies.Theworkforceagenciesareholdinga
seriesofGoRuralAustraliaeventsandexperiencesincludingruralskillstraining,regionalbustoursandface-to-facemeetingswithruraldoctors.oneofthefirsteventswastherecentGo
Rural“citytocentre”triptotheNorthernTerritoryforeightmedicalstudentsselectedfromuniversitycampusesaroundAustralia.Theyoungadventurersweretreatedto
ajam-packedfivedaysincentralAustralia,organisedbytheworkforceteamfromNorthernTerritoryMedicareLocal.Theyvisitedtheremotecommunities
ofHermannsburgandSantaTeresa,spentanafternoonwiththePurpleHousedialysisteam,touredAliceSpringsHospitalandtheRoyalFlyingDoctorServicebase,andreceivedaprivatetutorialfromDrTeem-WingYipfromthecentreforDiseasecontrol.ontopofthat,thestudentscompleted
afulldayBasicEmergencySkillsTrainingcoursedeliveredunderthewatchfuleyeofNorthernTerritoryMedicareLocal,clinicalServicesAdvisor,DrJimThurley.AndIfthatwasn’tenough,theyevenhad
timetoexploresomeofthemostbeautifulpartsofcentralAustraliaincludingEllerycreekGorgewheretheywentswimming.“Thistriphasshownmethatthepotential
tomakeadifference,therewardsofworkinginabeautifulenvironmentandthefeelingofcommunitycertainlyoutweighanychallengesthatcomewiththecountry,”saidJasminGrajzman,amedicalstudentfromtheUniversityofNotreDameinFremantle,WesternAustralia.“IlearntasmuchaboutmyselfasI
didabouttheplaceandthepeople,
andIrealisedhowimportantitisforusalltoknowwhatisgoingoninourownbackyard.Themedical,socialandpoliticalissuesarevastandwhilstIamnotinformedoreducatedenoughinthosematters,injustafewdaysIbecametouchedbythecommunitiesandthepeople.”HerthoughtswereechoedbyJamie
cham,amedicalstudentfromtheUniversityofNewSouthWales.“Thistriphasbeenwonderfulforme
inexpandingmyappreciationofsocial-culturalaspectsofhealthcareandshownmethatIhaveapassionforprovidingconventionalWesternmedicinetodifferentcommunitiesandcultures,”hesaid,immediatelyafteravisittotheNtariaclinicatHermannsburg,130kmfromAliceSprings.“Itbecameapparenttomethatthe
medicinepractisedherewassimilartoanyurbanclinic…butthedifferencewasthateverythingherewasonamuchmoreextremelevel.”ForJillianMccool,amedicalstudentat
FlindersUniversity,oneofthehighlightswasthevisittothePurpleHousecentreinAliceSprings,whichdelivershaemodialysistopeoplewhohavehadtomoveintotownfortreatmentfromoutlyingcommunities.“Asatrainedrenalnurse,itwas
refreshingtoseesucharelaxedenvironmentthathelpstoreducesomeofthebarriersthatpeoplefacewhenaccessingqualityhealthcare,”shesaid.“It’sinstarkcontrasttotheclinical
hospitalenvironmentsinwhichIamso
usedtoseeingpatientswithrenaldisease.”commentsliketheseunderscore
thevalueofprovidingpositiveruralexperiencestohealthstudents.ThecEoofRuralHealthWorkforce
Australia,GregSam,saidforgingaconnectionbetweenhealthstudentsandruralcommunitiesisimportant.“Ruralhealthisafantasticwork-life
opportunityandwewanttosharethatmessagewiththefuturehealthworkforce,”hesaid.“TheGovernmentisalsooffering
incentivessuchasHEcSreimbursementandrelocationpaymentsupto$120,000.Sothere’sneverbeenabettertimetogorural.“Thekeytothiscampaignofcourseis
theinvolvementofourRuralWorkforceAgencies,locatedineverystateandtheNorthernTerritory.Theyareaone-stop-shopforruralhealthcareersbecausetheyhaveextensivecontactswithlocaltrainingproviders,practicesandcommunities.Theycanhelpyoungprofessionalsateverystepoftheirjourney.”Itremainstobeseenhowmanyofthe
eightNTadventurersdecidetotaketheplungeandGoRuraloncetheygraduate,butthelastwordmustgotoSantaTeresadialysispatientDesSmithwhomadehisfeelingsplainaftermeetingthegroupandlearningtheymayreturnonedaytopracticemedicine.“That’sagoodthing,”hesaid.“We’dlike
toseemoredoctorscominghere.”FindoutmoreaboutGoRuralAustralia
atwww.rhwa.org.au/gorural
MedstudentsjumpforjoyafterarrivinginAliceSpringsfortheirGoRuralexperience.PicturedfromleftareclaireMeaton(DeakinUniversity),JillianMccool(Flinders),Marcus
Hall(Monash),MichaelMarginson(ANU),Jamiecham(UNSW),EmilyVandenberg(Flinders),JasminGrazjman(NotreDame)andMichellechen(Flinders).Picture: Diana Carli-Seebohm
1 0
GoRuralcampaigntakesoff
1 1
ThirtyNRHSNRuralHealthclubmembersweregiventheopportunitytoattendtheNationalRuralHealthconference(NRHc)inAdelaide8-10April,throughfundingfromconferencesofNationalSignificance(coNS).Thereweremanymorestudentsinattendanceattheconferenceaswellashealthprofessionals,representativesfromserviceproviders,professionalbodies,universitiesandmanymoregivingthestudentstheabilitytoconnect,networkandlearnfrom.Agreatcontributionwasmadeto
theNRHcbytheNRHSNExecutiveandPortfoliomembersbyassistingwithactivitiessuchaspresenting,chairingsessions,scribing,the‘comfortablechairs’session.TheNRHcishostedbytheNational
RuralHealthAlliance.TaraNaige,theJuniorRepresentativeonthe2013NRHSNcommunityandAdvocacyPortfolio,representedtheNRHSNontheNationalRuralHealthAlliances’councilthroughouttheconference.
FrancescaGarnett,2013NRHSNcommunityandAdvocacyPortfolioSeniorRepresentativepresentedtodelegatesonEmerging health professions: an opportunity for rural health.The17priorityrecommendationsthat
cameoutoftheconferencecanbefoundatwww.ruralhealth.org.au.TheNRHchadover1000attendees
andincludedarangeofstakeholders,tradebooths,workshops,concurrentsessions,theSharingShedaswellinteractiveactivitiessuchaslearninghowtojuggleandtheknittingstationforwhenattendeesneededalightheartedbreak.ThisisanexcitingexampleofhowthecoNSfundingassistsNRHSNmemberstobetoattendconferencestheymayotherwisenotbeabletoandtobeapartoftheruralhealthenvironment.AllmembersoftheNRHSNcanapply
forfundingthroughcoNS.Tounderstandtheprocessandtheopportunities,seewww.nrhsn.org.au/cons.
2013 Dates CoNS Application closing date
Discipline Conference
27-28Jul 28/05/2013 Medicine RemoteVocationalTrainingScheme-RemoteMedicalEducationconference
5-6Aug 10/06/2013 All The 14th International Mental Health Conference 2013
26-28Aug 3/07/2013 Medicine LIMEconnection,TheLIME(LeadersinIndigenousMedicalEducation)Network
16-18Sep 22/07/2013 All PublicHealthAssociationAustralia42ndAnnualconference–“Afairgo”forhealth:tacklingphysical,socialandpsychologicalinequality
25-28Sep 30/07/2013 All cRANAplus2013conference-Fromthecradletothegrave
3-5oct 7/08/2013 All HealthProfessionalsHealthconference
16-18oct 20/08/2013 AlliedHealth 10thNationalAlliedHealthconference
17-18oct 21/08/2013 Nursing&Midwifery AustralianNursingandMidwiferyconference
17-19oct 20/08/2013 Medicine GP13,RAcGPconference
20-22oct 26/08/2013 Nursing NationalNursingForum,AustraliancollegeofNursingconference
31oct-2Nov 3/09/2013 Medicine AcRRM-RuralMedicineAustraliaconference
AsamemberofyourRuralHealthclubyouareeligibletoapplyforfundingtoattendaconferencetolearn,networkandevenpresentthroughtheNRHSN’sconferencesofNationalSignificance(coNS)program.Theconferenceneedstohave
anemphasisonhealthwithin
NRHSNmembersattendtheNationalRuralHealthconference
DanFaux,co-chairoftheNRHSNStudentExecutivewiththeHon.Tanya
PlibersekMPattheNRHc.
The2013NRHSNco-chair,DanielFauxandSecretary,JillianFerrellgaveapresentationabouttheNRHSNattheNRHcpre-conferenceworkshopRural Health Management,hostedbytheAustraliancollegeofHealthServiceManagementandFutureHealthLeaders.
Applications are not limited to these events. Submit your application and supporting documentation for consideration.
rural,remoteand/orIndigenouscommunitiesandcanbediscipline-specificorhaveageneralhealthfocus.Allapplicationsmustbesubmittedatleast8weeksbeforetheconferencedatetobeconsidered.In2012therewere68NRHSN
memberswhowerefundedtoattend
19differentconferencesthroughoutAustralia,highlightingtheimportanceanddemandofsuchanopportunity.Don’tmissout–visitwww.nrhsn.
org.au/consforguidelines,informationontheapplicationprocessandapplicationforms.Somesuggestedconferenceinclude:
conferencesofNationalSignificance(coNS)
C o o e e ! A p r i l 2 0 1 3
1 2
ThefirstNRHSNcouncilFace-to-FaceMeetingfortheyearwasheldinearlyMarchinMelbourne.AtthismeetingtheinauguralStakeholderEngagementSessionwasheldaspartofanextendedNRHSNExecutiveandPortfoliomeeting.ThismeetingmeantthattheExecutiveandthePortfolioswereabletoplanfortheyeartogetherandfindoutaboutprioritiesandprojectsofalloftheNRHSN’smainstakeholdersasawholegroup.Thestakeholdersthatattendedthisday
NRHSNcouncilFace-to-FaceMeeting
Breathing New Life into General Practice
TheHonTanyaPlibersek,MinisterforHealth,spokeattheGeneralPracticeRegistrarsAustralia(GPRA)conferenceheldinParliamentHouse,canberraon19March.Thespeechfocussedonthreemainareas:generalpracticebeingattheheartofAustralia’shealthsystem;Patient-centredMedicalHomes;andthefindingsoftheHW2025reportandhowthegovernmenthasrespondedtoitsfindingsbyre-establishingthemedicaltrainingpipeline.AfullversionofthespeechisavailabletoreadontheDepartmentofHealthandAgeing’swebsite.
NRHSNcouncilMembersattheMarch2013Face-to-FaceMeetinginMelbourne.
NRHSNPortfolioMembersattheMarch2013Face-to-FaceMeetinginMelbourne.
includedJanineRamsay,AustralianRuralHealthEducationNetwork(ARHEN),RodWellington,ServicesforAustralianRuralandRemoteAlliedHealth(SARRAH),GeriMalone,cRANAplus,JennyJohnson,RuralDoctorsAssociationofAustralia(RDAA),ProfessorAmandaBarnard,FederationofRuralAustralianMedicalEducators(FRAME),JeremySimmons,AustraliancollegeofRuralandRemoteMedicine(AcRRM),LaurencordwellandHildegardMostmans,RoyalAustraliancollegeofGeneralPractice(RAcGP),MelissacameronandSharonKosmina,RuralHealthWorkforceAustralia(RHWA).
ThefollowingdaysoftheFace-to-FaceMeetingallowedRuralHealthclubstonetworkandlearnfromeachotheraboutthegreatactivitiesandeventstheyhaveplannedfortheyearaswellashearfromspeakerssuchasBenWallace,HealthWorkforceAustralia,LouAndreatta,AssistantSecretary,HealthWorkforceDivision,AustralianGovernmentDepartmentofHealthandAgeing,DrPieterMourik,AM,SeniorLecturerinobstetrics&GynaecologyattheUNSWRuralclinicalSchoolinAlburyWodongaaswellasLouiseMason,HealthRecruitmentPlus.
1 3
TeeshaDownton(SHARPandAlumnimember)
DuringthefinalyearofmymedicaldegreeIundertooka6weekelectiveplacementinDarwin.IorganisedtheplacementthroughtheFlindersNTMedicalProgramandIwasattachedtothecardiologyteamattheRoyalDarwinHospital.IhadafantasticclinicalexperienceandalsolovedtheopportunityonweekendstoexploresomeofthemostamazingpartsofAustralia.WhileonplacementIjoinedtheward
roundseachmorning,helpedwithjobsontheward(e.g.bloods,cannulas,catheters)andhelpedclerkpatientswhopresentedtotheEmergencyDepartmentwithcardiacsymptomssuchaschestpainorshortnessofbreath.IcardiovertedapatientandobservedothercardiacproceduressuchasexercisestressEcG,transthoracicechocardiography,transoesophagealechocardiography,insertionofapacemaker,coronaryangiography,andpericardiocentesis.Ibecamemoreconfidentatmanagingheartconditionsandatinterpretingtheresultsofcardiacinvestigations.IlistenedtomanyheartmurmursandgainedanunderstandingoftheburdenofrheumaticheartdiseaseamongstAboriginalandTorresStraitIslanderpatients.Thecardiologyteamwasverybusybutalltheconsultants,registrarsandJMoswerehappytohavemearoundandtoteachontherun.Despitebeingacapitalcity,Darwin
wouldbebetterclassifiedasregionalorruralratherthanmetropolitan.Andtheplacementprovidedmewithan
MyelectiveplacementintheTopEnd
insightintotheimpactofruralityandremotenessonhealthcare.RoyalDarwinHospitalhas~360bedsandisareferralhospitalforthemanysmallcommunitiesacrosstheTopEnd.SomepatientshadtravelledalongwaytogettoDarwin,andsomehadevencomefromDili,EastTimor.Somepatientswereverysick.DuringmyplacementIwasalsoluckyenoughtohitcharideonatinyplaneandvisitoenpelli,aremotecommunityinWestArnhem.Thecardiologyteamregularlyfliestoanumberofsmallcommunitiessuchasoenpelli,Maningrida,andGove,toholdoutreachclinics.Darwinwasagreatplacetoseesometropicalmedicinetoo.ForexampletheinfectiousdiseasemelioidosisisquitecommonintheNTbutisunheardofinmuchoftherestofAustralia.Thereareplentyofbeautifulplacesto
visitintheTopEnd.MyselfandtheotherelectivemedicalstudentswhowereinDarwinatthesametimedidnothavecarswithusbutwereabletousethepublicbustransportsystemtogetfromcharlesDarwinUniversitycasuarinacampus(whereouraccommodationwas),tothehospital,tothecasuarinashops,toDarwincity,andtoalltheMarkets.TogettoLitchfieldNationalPark,KakaduNationalParkandNitmilukNationalParkwehiredcarsandthecostwasquitereasonablewhenwesplitthebillbetweenus.Itwasdefinitelyworthwhilegoingtotheseplaces–therearebeautifulwaterfallsandrockholestoswimin,beautifulsunsetstosee,
andcanoeingonKatherineGorgeisamust.otherplacesinDarwinthatI’drecommendaretheDeckchaircinemasandtheJumpingcrocsatAdelaideRiver.AnotherhighlightofmyplacementinDarwinwasbeingabletocatchupwithSHARPandNRHSNalumniwhoarecurrentlyworkingattheDarwinHospital.Ifyouwanttoseeinterestingmedicine
andhaveafantastictime,IhighlyrecommendundertakingaplacementintheTopEnd.IthoroughlyenjoyedmytimeinDarwinandwhileIamcurrentlyinWaggaWaggaNSWdoingmyinternship,IamconsideringreturningtotheNorthernTerritoryinthefuturetowork.
C o o e e ! A p r i l 2 0 1 3
1 4
February
04/02/13 TRoHPIQ-HeadsUp
09/02/13 RUSTIcA-3rdYearSkillsMorning
09/02/13 TRoHPIQ-SkillsDay1
16/02/13 SATri-clubPlanningDay
19/02/13 FURHS-o-WeekBBQ
22/02/13 NoMAD-BarefootBowls
23/02/13 RUSTIcA-TUMSSMedcampSkillsMorning
25/02/13 RAHMSo-WeekStall
25/02/13 BREAATHHE-UoNo-Week
27/02/13 RUSTIcA-SocietiesDayStall
27/02/13 StARRH-cDUopenDay
27/02/13 TRoHPIQ-NAHWelcomeBBQ
March
01/03/13 KRASH–o-WeekSundowner2013
01/03/13 NRHSNFace-to-FacecouncilMeeting,1-2March2013
07/03/13 cRANc-NetworkingNight
07/03/13 RAHMS-Scholarshipsinformationnight
07/03/13 cRANc-WelcomeNight
08/03/13 MIRAGEWelcomeDrinks
09/03/13 HoPE4HEALTHTheMidnightMuster
09/03/13 TRoHPIQ-SkillsDay2-Ipswich
13/03/13 MIRAGE1stGeneralMeeting
13/03/13 RAHMSBSPinfonight
13/03/13 RAHMSBeginningofyearSocial
14/03/13 RUSTIcA-WelcomeSign-UpLunch
15/03/13 AURHA-firstyeardinner
16/03/13 RAHMSatMedcamp
18/03/13 BREAATHHE-RuralHealthWeek
18/03/13 SPINRPHEX-GetPlastered
18/03/13 SPINRPHEX-GetPlastered
19/03/13 WARRIAHScommencementBBQ
20/03/13 RUSTIcA-HobartclosetheGap
21/03/13 BREAATHHE-closeTheGapDay
21/03/13 RAHMS-closetheGap
21/03/13 RHINo-closetheGapDay
21/03/13 RoUNDS-closetheGapBBQ
21/03/13 WARRIAHS-FirstAid
22/03/13 BREAATHHE-WelcomeFunction
22/03/13 NoMAD-closeTheGapDay
23/03/13 RAHMSandMedSocpresentanIntroductoryTourofSydney
23/03/13 RoUNDS-IGetAround
23/03/13 WARRIAHS-FirstAid
25/03/13 NoMAD-SGM
25/03/13 WARRIAHS-FirstAid
28/03/13 MIRAGEandSUMSPresents...closeTheGapBBQ!
2013RuralHealthclubEventswww.nrhsn.org.au/events
April
04/04/13 WARRIAHS-RHSV
05/04/13 RUSTIcA-3rdYearRcSVisit
06/04/13 BREAATHHEculturalAwarenessTraining
10/04/13 RUSTIcA-HobartSkillsNight2013
10/04/13 RHSVcentralWestNSW
13/04/13 BREAATHHEFirstAidcourse#1
13/04/13 TRoHPIQ-RockhamptonTrip
15/04/13 SPINRPHEX-Multi-DNight
17/04/13 RUSTIcA-LauncestonSkillsNight2013
20/04/13 NoMADBellarineTour
20/04/13 TRoHPIQ-NursingSkillsTrainingWeekend
26/04/13 RHINo-Multi-DisciplinarySkillsNight
26/04/13 SPINRPHEX–RuralAppreciationWeek(RAW)
27/04/13 ARMS-closeTheGapceremonyandBushdance
27/04/13 BREAATHHE-FirstAidcourse#2
27/04/13 TRoHPIQ-ToowoombaTrip
27/04/13 WARRIAHS-RuralHealthclubcatchup
28/04/13 RUSTIcA-3rdYearLcSVisit
May
02/05/13 RUSTIcA-Agfest2013
04/05/13 BREAATHHE-FirstAidcourse#3
07/05/13 BREAATHHE-SkillsNight
10/05/13 StARRH-InternationalNursesDay
16/05/13 BREAATHHE-SconeAreaRHSV’s
17/05/13 AURHA-DinnerUndertheStars
17/05/13 HARDcAW-HealthandRuralDay-canberra,Albury,Wagga
18/05/13 TRoHPIQ-cherbourgTrip
25/05/13 BREAATHHE-MentalHealthFirstAid
June
21/06/13 RHINo-LauraDanceFestival
29/06/13 TRoHPIQ-WideBayTrip
July
17/07/13 TRoHPIQ-RuralHealthcareersEvening
26/07/13 MARHS-BushBashBall
26/07/13 WARRIAHS-AnnualBall
26/07/13 WARRIAHS-HealthExpo
August
02/08/13 TRoHPIQ-charityDinner
20/08/13 TRoHPIQ-AboriginalHealthInfoNight
September
04/09/13 TRoHPIQ-WomeninRuralMedicineclinicianDinner
october
15/10/13 BREAATHHE-AGM
NHPA report
TheNationalHealthPerformanceAuthority(NHPA)releasedthesecondofitsHealthycommunitiesReportsinMarch2013entitled‘Australians’ experience with primary health care in 2010-11’.Thereportexaminesuse,patientexperiencesandtheperceivedhealthofpopulationslivingineachMedicareLocalareaagainstarangeofindicatorsincludingGPattendances,measureofpatientexperiences,waittimesforGPservicesandafter-hoursGPserviceutilisation.Thereportconfirmsthatwherepeoplelive“has a noticeable impact on whether they will get (GP) care when they need it, within acceptable waiting times, and at a price they can afford”.Visitwww.npha.gov.auformoreinformation.
RuralHighSchoolVisitsRuralHealthclubsrungreatRuralHighSchoolVisits(RHSV)toruralhighschoolsalloverAustralia.WehavebeenupdatingresourcesforRuralhealthclubstousetosupporttheseactivitiesthatencourageruralhighschoolstudentstothinkaboutaruralhealthcareerandhopefullyreturningtotheircommunitytodeliverhealthcareoncetheyhavegraduated.SomeoftheresourcesthatareavailabletoRuralHealthclubsfromtheNRHSNinclude:• Videos• Healthcareerflyers• Mediareleasetemplate• RHSVinfosheet• Activitiesbooklet• Templateletterstoschools• EvaluationformsAndthat’sjusttonameafew!YourRuralHealthclubalsohasaccesstoaRHSVand
IndigenousFestivalsKitthatincludesmedicalequipmentandananatomicalmannequin.TofindoutmoreaboutRHSVsandaccesstheseresourcesgo
towww.nrhsn.org.au/rhsv.
AIHW Medical Workforce report
on23January2013,theAustralianInstituteofHealthandWelfare(AIHW)releasedtheMedicalWorkforce2011report.Themainhighlightofthereportwasasignificantgrowth(18%)inmedicalworkforceinAustraliafrom2007;howeverthiswasnotthecasefortheGeneralPracticeWorkforcewhichonlyexperiencedasmallincreaseof4%between2007and2011.Thereporthassomevaluableinformationonanumberofareasincludingthenumberofwomenintheworkforceandthegrowthofmedicalpractitionertrainingcommencements.Thefullreportisavailabletoreadatwww.aihw.gov.au.
outandaboutwiththeNRHSN
1.SHARP:RuralHealthclubmembersonarecenttriptoGriffith2.KRASH:HallscreekRHSV-TopLeft:AmyBennet,JulesGalliers,DonMain,HamishWatkinsBottomLeft:SashaBailey,KatherineHumphreys,BrittanyDellaBosca,RosedieMilneandEllenPiesse
3.NoMAD:It’sbarefootbowlsinTorquay!SimonHume,DavidKhoo,YasmeanKalam,KateTurnbull,AdrianLuscombe.
4.StARRH:2013Executivecommittee:celiaPulling,JosephDeZylva,FelixHo,DebbieGillon,PawanKoirala,clairechandler
5.MIRAGE:AvisitwithanRFDSplane6.RHUUWS:Year3studentsandplacementandsupportstafffromtheUWSSchoolofMedicineexperiencingrurallifeinBathurst
7.StARRH:cDUo-DayStallfeaturing‘MsMonty’theolivePython8.oUTLooK:MinjungYoo,NatalieKewandEmmaBeavonmakeplastercastsatBendigo’sVibeAliveIndigenouscommunityFestival
9.WAALHIIBEandSPINRPHEX:KelliPorterandcameronWagnerNotreDameo-Day.
7
9
8
62
3
1
4
1 5
5
1 6
LEAP into RURAL HEALTH
The National Rural Health Students’ Network is supported by financial assistance from the Australian Government.The National Rural Health Students’ Network is proudly managed and supported by Rural Health Workforce Australia.
Rural Health Workforce AustraliaNational Rural Health Students’ NetworkLevel 5, 10 Queens RoadMelbourne Vic 3004 Australia
www.nrhsn.org.auTelephone 03 9860 4700Email: [email protected]
rural health workforce rural health workforce
JOIN THE NRHSN ALUMNI TODAY! IT’S FREE!
JOIN THE NRHSN ALUMNINetwork with medical, nursing and allied health members from across AustraliaShare your experiences with other rural health professionalsReceive and contribute to biannual newsletter Grab the opportunity to speak at eventsHost and mentor current NRHSN members on placements AND MORE …
Alumni Members register online:https://alumni.nrhsn.org.auEmail: [email protected]
Photo courtesy: Northern Territory Medicare Local
www.rhwa.org.au
Were you a member of a Rural Health Club?
Have you graduated?