New accommodation in Bourke will help attract health students to work and train in the town, according to Federal Member for Parkes and Minister for Regional Services Mark Coulton.
Mr Coulton was pleased to visit the Bourke Health Service to inspect works today, which have been funded through the Government’s Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training (RHMT) program.
“Through the RHMT program, $481,250 in funding was provided to the University of Sydney for the design, development, construction, and fit-out of new student accommodation in Bourke,” Mr Coulton said.
“I’m thrilled that the four-bedroom unit is now complete, which will provide four new student beds.
“The unit will serve as a residential facility for medical, nursing and allied health students undergoing clinical placements under the RHMT Program and the Murray- Darling Medical Schools Network.
“Students need a range of supports to live, work and study in rural New South Wales, and this new accommodation will boost the number of students we can attract to this area.
“While they are here, the students – supported by The University of Sydney – will be able to see the many advantages of a career in rural health.”
The RHMT program is about improving the delivery of rural training experiences which will also support better distribution of the health workforce in rural communities. It supports a network of rural clinical schools, university departments of rural health and dental schools which support extended rural placements.
“I’m pleased to see this new accommodation for health students and urge them to consider staying in this area and enjoying all the benefits of living, working and training here,” Mr Coulton said.
“As the responsible Minister for Rural Health this program is key to increasing rural training opportunities and delivering more health services locally in our communities.
“The Federal Government is committed to improving access to health services and is working on key initiatives to support more doctors in the bush including the Rural Generalist Pathway and new innovative models of primary healthcare.”
A formal opening of the facility is expected to take place early this year.
