About Us

Objectives

The Combined Universities Centre for Rural Health is funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing under the University Departments of Rural Health program.

For the 2002-2007 period, CUCRH's activities under this program are in line with the outcomes and objectives of the national program.

The desired outcomes of the University Departments of Rural Health Program are to:

1. improve access by rural and remote communities to appropriate multidisciplinary services; and

2. enhance innovative health service development, especially in public health, in the region through training and research programs.

The objectives of the University Departments of Rural Health program are to:

1. increase and improve rural experiences for students in the health professions including medical, nursing and allied health undergraduate and postgraduate students

2. provide training and support for preceptors so that rural experience for students is of high quality

3. embrace a strong public or population health focus

4. engender a commitment and develop strategies to address Indigenous health issues

5. provide training to ensure that health professionals become culturally aware and sensitive to Aboriginal health issues

6. provide a base for senior university staff, including those linked to teaching hospitals and research units, to provide training and practise their skills in rural and remote settings, thereby improving the (health) intellectual capital in the region

7. provide support and continuing education opportunities for existing rural health professionals

8. develop and retain strong links with mainstream continuing professional education of health professionals which is undertaken by universities and professional associations

9. develop innovative service delivery models to meet the needs of rural and remote areas

10. undertake research into rural and remote health care issues

11. provide the focus for a positive attitude towards rural practice from senior academics who are responsible for shaping the attitudes and behaviour of students and young health professionals