National Rural Health Alliance Research Articles

The feasibility of establishing an Australian College of Rural and Remote Health.

The establishment of an Australian College of Rural and Remote Health was recommended at the Third National Rural Health Conference and subsequently endorsed by the National Rural Health Alliance. This paper outlines the progress of a feasibility study, conducted by the National Association of Rural Health Training Units, to determine the prospective role and level of support for the establishment of such a college among health professional groups in Australia. The findings of two national workshops indicated strong support for 'an organizational structure' to facilitate the development of national standards for rural and remote health education and training. While the exact nature of an organizational structure is yet to be determined, it was clear from the workshops that the formation of a college is not feasible at this time. The paper recommends an alternative collaborative forum: an Australian Consortium of Rural and Remote Health.

CATALYSING IMPROVEMENTS IN RURAL HEALTH

ABSTRACT: The National Rural Health Alliance is the peak non‐government body working to improve rural health and health services. It has been fully operational since August 1993 and has produced submissions to government on a number of rural health issues. Through its work it has increased the public profile of rural health policy in Australia, without endangering the autonomy of the 15 national bodies which constitute the Alliance. Given the proliferation of individual bodies concerned with various aspects of rural health, and the complex and changing policy situation, the Alliance has a crucial role to play in helping to manage the interface between governments, consumers and rural health providers. The mission of the Alliance is informed by a strong philosophy of increased consumer involvement in the design, management and evaluation of local health services. The Alliance reflects the aspirations of rural and remote people for high quality and accessible health services. The chances of this mission being accomplished will be increased to the extent that individual professional bodies and local groups work in partnership with central organisations like the Alliance.

RURAL HEALTH POLICY: THE THIRD NATIONAL RURAL HEALTH CONFERENCE

ABSTRACT: The Third National Rural Health Conference was convened at Mt Beauty in February 1995, by the National Rural Health Alliance, to promote the continuing improvement of the health and well‐being of people in rural and remote Australia. The agenda reflected the initiatives of the National Rural Health Strategy, developed as the result of earlier National Conferences. The conference aimed to share information and direct it to relevant institutions, to strengthen bonds and communication within the rural health field and to encourage the advocacy role of delegates within their own organisations. By drawing the themes together, the conference program highlighted the principle of equity, the plight of Aboriginal health, the right of the community to self determination and participation, and the needs, entitlements and roles of consumers. The conference further emphasised the need for an integrated or holistic approach to service planning and the need for service delivery to reflect the specific needs of rural communities. Delegates, led by the Federal Minister for Health, identified specific strategies for reinforcing and implementing programs that promote dialogue between community, workforce and government and contribute to a cohesive national and state agenda in rural health. Delegates recognised that the rural health community is now much better organised, but considerable inequities remain and must be addressed urgently.

The Role of the National Rural Health Alliance

ABSTRACT: This paper outlines the history and subsequent development of the National Rural Health Alliance. The mission statement and objectives of the Alliance are presented. An outline of the role and function of the Alliance both now and in the future is given. Details are given of the rural associations who are members of this national rural body and key players in rural health in Australia.