Charles Sturt University (CSU) and the Greater Western Area Health Service (GWAHS) have formed an alliance which will offer sustainable solutions to current health issues for people in western New South Wales.

 

The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two inland organisations aims to build on existing collaborations which focus on clinical education.

 

According to NSW Health, inland populations generally have worse health than those living in cities. Reasons for growing health issues include distance from services, socioeconomic disadvantage, a shortage of health care providers and lower levels of access to health services.

 

CSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Goulter says the growing relationship between CSU and GWAHS will strengthen the health system in rural areas.

 

“CSU has a large number of health programs in nursing, allied health, health management, Indigenous health and pre-emergency care,” he said. “Many of these programs require the support of GWAHS in providing opportunities for quality clinical experience for our undergraduate students.

 

“The partnership between the University and the skilled practitioners from GWAHS allows our graduates to reach the competency needed for them to work as professionals across the whole health system.

 

“In addition, undergraduate placements within GWAHS will equip the graduates and prepare them for the challenges which are part of rural and remote practice,” said Professor Goulter.

 

GWAHS Chief Executive, Dr Claire Blizard, said by working together CSU and the Area Health Service could address difficulties in recruiting and retaining nursing and allied health staff.

 

“More than 80 per cent of CSU’s health graduates from rural backgrounds choose to work in regional and rural Australia. The CSU graduates are a vital component of initiatives designed to enhance the health of people in inland Australia.

 

“It is envisaged that eventually CSU graduates could become the major source of the GWAHS workforce. This MOU will also contribute to research in public health, clinical education, health service and delivery issues.

 

“The resources CSU can offer will support and enhance the GWAHS to achieve NSW Health’s goals of better health through innovation and the establishment of clinical placements,” Dr Blizard said

 

Professor Goulter explained that CSU will also extend adjunct titles to GWAHS staff who supervise students. “In return, CSU staff will enjoy professional practice opportunities in relevant disciplines as well as joint research opportunities.

 

“The signing of this MOU fits perfectly with the CSU mission to provide distinctive education programs for the professions that prepare students for work and enhance the CSU communities of inland Australia.”