National Rural Health Alliance eforum - 13 July 2012

In this issue: * June 2012 eNews from the Alliance

* Beating Bowel Cancer: Prevention, Detection, Treatment

* Tuesday, 14 August 2012: AHCRA Summit: the long and winding road

* Oral Health Policy Forum

* Dept. of Health and Ageing - 'Health Heroes campaign'

* 12th National Rural Health Conference

* Research and Data

* Lowitja Institute e-Bulletin

* ACRRM Country Watch

* Federal Government News

* HIV positive people at higher risk of heart attack

* Doubts over need for rural GP pathway: RACGP

* Rural quotas of 35% urged for medical schools

* Rural health on the ABC

* Indigenous inmates need better mental health services

* Articles in Rural and Remote Health

* What's On

* Contribution and subscription information and disclaimer

JUNE 2012 eNEWS FROM THE ALLIANCE

Equivalence of support for nurses and allied health professionals

A longstanding aim of the Alliance is to secure greater equivalence of support for nursing and

allied health at all stages of the pathway from entry into studies (uni or TAFE), right through

to retirement. This should be done without any reduction in the efforts to recruit and retain

doctors in rural areas - with the new and expanded programs for other professionals learning

from the lessons of GP programs. Ways in which this can be achieved will be outlined to the

Department of Health (working now on a further review of its workforce programs). Tell us

your views about what recruitment and retention programs would work best for nursing and

allied health: nrha@ruralhealth.org.au

Partyline - have your say!

Copy is invited for the next edition of Partyline. We would like to hear about health issues in

your local area - whether from a community or professional perspective. You are encouraged

to share stories about local health initiatives, case studies of community achievements or

analyses of rural health policy. 500-600 words. Due date for copy is 9 July, for publication in

late August. partyline@ruralhealth.org.au

Palliative care

The Alliance made a late submission to the Senate Inquiry into Palliative Care. People in

rural and remote communities are entitled to quality of life support when they choose to

spend the end stage of their life in their own communities. The role that local health services

play in providing general palliative care as part of their work in rural and remote

communities should be recognised, supported and funded. Health professionals, patients and

their families may also need improved access to specialised palliative care - including

through Patients' Assisted Travel Schemes and/or special funding arrangements.

e-health

NRHA staff visited the NBN Co Discovery Truck in Queanbeyan before it travels to central

Western NSW and the North Coast/Hunter region. We found out more about fibre, wireless

and the new faster satellite connections being prioritised by the NBN Co - as well as interim

satellite connections starting soon. Future locations of the NBN Co truck are at

http://www.nbnco.com.au

Registration for the eHealth record (PCEHR) is open from 1 July. You can find a range of

useful information at http://nrha.ruralhealth.org.au

How the health system performs for rural people

The Alliance has a strong interest in the performance of the health system - especially in rural

and remote areas - and the effectiveness of various programs. This is a complex area, with

current data often not available, making it hard to identify progress or gaps at the national

level. We are grateful to the COAG Reform Council for the special attention it gives to rural

and remote issues, including through the production of a supplement dealing specifically with

outcomes by remoteness. We are also working with the Department of Regional Australia on

wellbeing and service indicators for rural and remote areas.

Disability scheme

The Alliance is working to try to ensure that the rural/remote voice is 'at the table' as

developments occur with the National Disability Insurance Scheme and the National Injury

Insurance Scheme. We have met with the National Injury Insurance Scheme Advisory Group

appointed by Minister Shorten and with some of the key people involved with the NDIS. In

rural and remote areas the separation between health, aged and disability care is more

imagined than real. We need to watch these spaces.

Health Workforce Australia

The Alliance attended the National Health Workforce Reform Implementation Workshop

held by Health Workforce Australia on 5-6 June in Adelaide. It made a brief submission to

HWA's consultation on a Health Professional Prescribing Pathway in Australia, drawing

attention to the current arrangements for access to medicines that is provided in certain

circumstances to people in rural and remote locations through special processes that involve

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and remote area nurses in particular.

Among the other pieces of HWA work with which the Alliance is involved is the Health

Professionals Prescribing Pathway Project.

3rd Rural and Remote Health Scientific Symposium

Keynote addresses from the 3rd Rural and Remote Health Symposium held in Adelaide (19-

21 June) can be viewed at http://nrha.org.au/3rrhss/. The work at the Symposium will

contribute to a clear national rural research strategy aimed at improving health care for people

in rural and remote communities across Australia, and a drive to attract increased funding

from governments and the private sector to support the strategy. People and organisations

everywhere will be encouraged to help take forward the ideas and specific research proposals

as they are refined. A 30-minute television program on the Symposium is being produced for

broadcast soon on the new Rural Health Channel.

12th Conference in Adelaide, 7-10 April 2013 - call for abstracts open

If you want to be on the program at the 12th National Rural Health Conference (7-10 April

2013) submitting an abstract is the first step. More than ever before, we want to infuse the

12th National Rural Health Conference with the good news in rural and remote health and

wellbeing. Detailed guidelines about the formats, content areas, topics, the assessment criteria

to be used and timelines are all on the Conference website via www.ruralhealth.org.au.

Registration details are now available on the registration page of the Conference website.

Online registrations will open on 1 August 2012 but for those who want to get in early you

can download a hardcopy from and register now. Accommodation options will be available

shortly.

Exhibition and sponsorship opportunities are also available - details on the Conference

website.

If your organisation would like to hold its own pre-conference event please contact us to

discuss how we can help you.

Further information: conference@ruralhealth.org.au

RHCE2

Registrations and online applications in the fourth round of RHCE2 grants are being accepted

from 8 June to 8 August 2012. Please note all round 4 projects must be completed by 30

October 2013. Further information: http://rhce.ruralhealth.org.au/about-rhce2, phone 1800

987 440 or email rhce@ruralhealth.org.au.

Media and Communications

An article by a RAMUS scholar (How to manage camels and to suture without fainting) was

published in the Public Health Association of Australia's In Touch. Seizing opportunities with

both hands was published in the Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association's The

Health Advocate. Media releases have been issued on the latest issue of the AJRH; on the

Report from the COAG Reform Council; and on Drug Action Week. At the beginning of

Drug Action Week the Alliance released Fact Sheet 33: Illicit drug use in rural Australia.

R U our Friend?

Friends of the Alliance are entitled to discounted registration rates to the 12th National Rural

Health Conference. To ensure your membership is up to date contact Kellie at

friends@ruralhealth.org.au or visit Friends online.

Are you on the Alliance's Mailing List?

Are you also on the mailing list to receive Partyline (our newsletter) and our rural health

calendar in December? If not, email your full postal address to nrha@ruralhealth.org.au

BEATING BOWEL CANCER: PREVENTION, DETECTION, TREATMENT

In some parts of rural and remote Australia bowel cancer is the number one cause of death

from disease. Lifestyle choices significantly impact on the increasing incidence of bowel

cancer and the financial burden in Australia is over $1 billion annually. Research indicates

significant reductions in bowel cancer rates with screening for early detection and with a

more nutritious diet, increased exercise and smoking cessation.

The Rural Health Education Foundation will be broadcasting an live panel discussion chaired

by Dr Norman Swan. Find out how primary health care teams can assist in developing

lifestyle management strategies to help prevent bowel cancer and get the latest on the

National Bowel Cancer Screening program.

Tuesday 24th July 2012

Live panel discussion on the Rural Health Channel (VAST Channel 600)

8pm NSW, ACT, TAS, QLD & VIC; 7.30pm SA & NT; 6.00pm WA

Watch again: Thursday 26th July 2pm (AEST) and online

For more information on how to view the program visit the program webpage:

http://www.rhef.com.au

TUESDAY 14 AUGUST 2012: AHCRA SUMMIT: THE LONG AND WINDING

ROAD The Brassey Hotel, Canberra

The Australian Health Care Reform Alliance (AHCRA) is holding its Annual Summit in

Canberra on 14 August 2012. It will review health reform progress to date and explore what

is required to create a more equitable, accessible and effective health system. The Executive

of AHCRA is keen to have interested people attend to share their experience and insights.

Your contribution will inform and challenge AHCRA's thinking as it moves towards agreeing

its focus for the next two years. Speakers and panelists include:

* Prof Stephen Duckett (La Trobe Uni and former member of the National Health and

Hospitals Reform Commission)

* Prof Fran Baum (Southgate Institute for Health, Society and Equity, Flinders Uni)

* Dr Di O'Halloran (GP and Chair, Wentwest Medicare Local)

* Prof Hal Swerissen (Dean Health Sciences, La Trobe Uni)

A flyer and registration details are available on the AHCRA website at

http://www.healthreform.org.au

Networking Dinner : a joint networking dinner will be held on the Tuesday evening. You can

register for the dinner on either registration form.

ORAL HEALTH POLICY FORUM The Brassey Hotel, Canberra

Wednesday, 15 August 2012

This important national advocacy day will focus on oral and dental health. Why has dental

health been getting the brush off? It is being run by the Australian Healthcare and Hospitals

Association (AHHA), Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS), Public Health

Association of Australia (PHAA), the Australian Health Care Reform Alliance (AHCRA) and

the NRHA. It will assess where the Federal Government is up to in addressing dental and ask

the broader question of what needs to be done to sustain a national focus on this critical

policy area. Speakers will include:

* Clive Wright, Immediate-Past Chief Dental Officer, NSW Health, What's the hold-up?

How to make our advocacy efforts more successful

* James O'Brien, Victoria/Tasmania Co-ordinator, Every Australian Counts, Unpacking and

agreeing an action plan for successful advocacy

* Tessa Boyd-Caine, ACOSS

* Tony McBride, AHCRA

* Prue Power, AHHA

* Ian McAuley, health economics consultant and academic

A program and registration form are available at http://nrha.ruralhealth.org.au

DEPT. OF HEALTH AND AGEING - 'HEALTH HEROES CAMPAIGN'

The Health Heroes campaign is all about encouraging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

students to take up careers in health. Its website is at

http://www.australia.gov.au/healthheroes. The website features a range of information on

health jobs, training options, career pathways and support available. It also includes a number

of new tools and resources which support the campaign including:

* 20 case study videos profiling 'real life' Health Heroes - young Aboriginal and Torres Strait

Islander people who have made a successful career in the health sector in a wide array of jobs

* An interactive career quiz which suggests a range of health jobs based on participants'

interests and skills base

* A number of lesson plans for teachers and careers advisers

* A "Genie" comic book - which encourages young people to take up careers in health and

community services

12th NATIONAL RURAL HEALTH CONFERENCE

Strong Commitment. Bright Future

Abstracts are now being received for the 12th National Rural Health Conference.

If you would like to be on the program for the 12th National Rural Health Conference in

Adelaide, 7-10 April 2013, providing an abstract is the first step!

The 12th Conference website has all the information you need about submitting an abstract.

Even more than previous such events, the 12th Conference will focus on the positives in rural

and remote Australia. Building on the Strong Commitment of country people, and the

creativity, teamwork, resilience and sense of community that characterise rural and remote

Australia, what do we need to do to guarantee a Bright Future?

Make sure you are part of the action. Join others from around Australia at the Adelaide

Convention Centre to share ideas, discuss challenges and celebrate successes in rural and

remote health and wellbeing.

Make your mark at the 12th National Rural Health Conference!

Mark the date: 7 -10 April 2013

Bookmark the website: http://nrha.org.au/12nrhc/

Further information: 02 6285 4660 or conference@ruralhealth.org.au

RHCE2 ROUND 4 APPLICATION PERIOD: 8 June - 8 August 2012

Applications for grants in Round 4 of the Rural Health Continuing Education (Stream 2)

(RHCE2) can be made until 8 August 2012.

Organisations and individuals with an evidence-based proposal for continuing professional

development for health staff in rural and remote areas are encouraged to apply. Occasions

when professional development can be delivered to a multi-disciplinary team in a more

remote area will be given high priority in this competitive process. Bodies that submitted

unsuccessfully in previous rounds are able to apply again and, as with all other applicants, are

encouraged to demonstrate how their proposal will give value for money through improved

effectiveness in rural and remote health service provision.

The eligible health professions are Aboriginal Health Workers, allied health professionals,

nurses, midwives and doctors. Priority is given in RHCE2 to groups who can demonstrate

that support for their CPD is not available from other sources. Applications should provide

evidence of how the work to be undertaken will encourage inter-professional learning and

teamwork in rural/remote health services - and how it will be sustainable and have a positive

effect on the recruitment and retention of health professionals in rural communities,

especially those classified AGSC-RA 3-5.

Some $500,000 in grants is available in this round to support programs that provide a cost-

effective and accessible approach to training. Multiple applications will be accepted but no

single entity will receive more than one grant. Projects funded in Round 4 must be completed

by 30 October 2013.

Full details about the program, application guidelines and grant objectives, and information

on currently funded RHCE2 projects, are available on the RHCE website

http://rhce.ruralhealth.org.au

RURAL HEALTH ON TWITTER!

National Rural Health Alliance Our researchers are leading the way to improve services for young people living with

diabetes in rural Oz @DiabetesAU http://bit.ly/S9J0Cv

Young people with diabetes worse off in ?#rural? areas http://bit.ly/S9J0Cv

Why has ?#dental? health been getting the brush off? Policy forum in Canberra 15Aug12 -

for details and to register http://www.ruralhealth.org.au

On Wed this week I addressed @PressClubAust about dementia & need for reseach &

freedom of the press - replay Sunday 1pm ABC News 24 ?#ABC?

ReachOut_Aus ... and don't forget to fill in our ?#youthsurvey? this weekend. We need to

find out what you're thinking. http://ow.ly/cd1Te

It's National Diabetes Week... An estimated 275 Australians develop diabetes every day and

almost 60 per cent of... http://fb.me/1G5NMUj2M

?#ACNC? Bill referred to House of Representatives Committee. NFPs invited to make

submissions by Friday 20 July http://bit.ly/LKom8t ?#nfp?

Have you submitted an abstract yet? 12th National ?#Rural? Health Conf, April 2013. Strong

commitment. Bright Future.

?#AJRH? June 2012 Article: Cardiovascular risk factors and psychological distress in Austn

farming communities - http://bit.ly/NF4iqt

?#AJRH? June 2012 Article: Mental health & wellbeing in resident mine workers: Out of the

fly-in fly-out box (pp 126-130) http://bit.ly/NF4iqt

?#AJRH? June 2012: NT Emergency Response: Criticism, support and redesign (pages 103-

107) http://bit.ly/NF4iqt

?#AJRH? June 2012 Editorial: ?#rural? residents need research http://bit.ly/NF4iqt

?#NRHA? ED Keynote speaker at Parkinson's Aust Nat Conf | Better knowledge, better

outcomes |13-14 July 2012, Brisbane http://bit.ly/NtkmYQ

@rcna_tweet: ?#RCNA? nursing scholarships now open: http://bit.ly/NjaHbt

How do small ?#rural? health services sustain themselves in a constantly changing health

system environment? http://bit.ly/LNtd8Y

Come join the Truck on the corner of Frome St and Herber St, Moree, NSW

pic.twitter.com/QkApb6xf

Sponsorship for Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander people for Chronic Disease Conf, Darwin,

closes soon - http://bit.ly/OE5rOs

NBNCo Truck visiting ?#rural? towns in NSW http://bit.ly/KdOhUV

Australian ?#Rural? Leadership Program - applications are now open http://bit.ly/9kLzCW

Some other Twitter sites: ABC Health Online - http://twitter.com/#!/ABCHealthOnline

ABC Open - http://twitter.com/#!/abcopen

ACRRM - http://twitter.com/#!/ACRRM

AgHealthSafety - http://twitter.com/#!/AgHealthSafety

AIHW - http://twitter.com/#!/aihw

Australasian College of Health Service Management - http://twitter.com/#!/ACHSM

Australian Rural Doctor Magazine - http://twitter.com/#!/OzRuralDoc

Consumers Health Forum Australia - http://twitter.com/#!/CHFofAustralia

Country GPs (NZ) - http://twitter.com/#!/CountryGPs

Croakey Blog - http://twitter.com/#!/croakeyblog

eHealthAus - http://twitter.com/#!/eHealthAus

HealthInfoNet - http://twitter.com/#!/HealthInfoNet

National Centre for Farmer Health - http://twitter.com/#!/FarmerHealth

NHMRC - http://twitter.com/#!/nhmrc

NSW Health - http://twitter.com/#!/NSWHealth

Queensland Health - http://twitter.com/#!/qldhealthnews

Royal Flying Doctor - http://twitter.com/#!/RoyalFlyingDoc

Rural Doctors Association of Australia - http://twitter.com/#!/RuralDoctorsAus

Rural Doctors Association of Queensland - http://twitter.com/#!/RuralDocsQ

Rural Health Education Foundation - http://twitter.com/#!/RHEFAustralia

Rural Health Workforce Australia - http://twitter.com/#!/RuralHealthOz

Rural Mental Health - http://twitter.com/#!/RuralMH

Rural Workforce Agency Victoria - http://twitter.com/#!/RWAVictoria

SuicidePreventionAus - http://twitter.com/#!/SuicidePrevAU

Victoria Department of Health - http://twitter.com/#!/VicGovHealth

WA Health - http://twitter.com/#!/WAHealth

YourHealthGovAu - http://twitter.com/#!/YourHealthGovAu

RESEARCH AND DATA

National best practice guidelines for data linkage activities relating to Aboriginal and Torres

Strait Islander people

In 2008, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) agreed to a set of targets for

'Closing the Gap' in disadvantage between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-

Indigenous Australians. Currently, progress is difficult to measure accurately because

Indigenous status is either missing or inconsistently reported across data sets. To ensure a

consistent approach to dealing with Indigenous status reporting, COAG directed the

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to develop

national best practice guidelines for linking data related to Indigenous people. This report

offers guidance on how to derive Indigenous status when it is missing or inconsistently

reported, in a way that protects privacy and individuals' right to self-identification.

http://www.aihw.gov.au

More than 1 in 4 hospital admissions need surgery

More than a quarter of Australia's 8.9 million hospitalisations in 2010-11 included a visit to

an operating room for surgery, according to a new surgery snapshot released by the

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Around 12% of surgery admissions were

emergency admissions (requiring surgery within 24 hours). About 83% were elective

admissions, with two-thirds of these occurring in private hospitals. A further 4% of surgery-

related admissions were childbirth-related and 1% were for 'other planned care'. Compared

with national rates, Indigenous Australians and people living in remote areas had higher rates

of emergency surgery admissions and lower rates of elective surgery admissions.

AIHW statement available at http://www.aihw.gov.au

Full publication at http://www.aihw.gov.au

Prevalence of mental illness among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in

Queensland prisons

Medical Journal of Australia

The prevalence of mental disorders among Indigenous adults in Queensland custody is very

high and there remains an urgent need to develop and resource culturally capable mental

health services.

http://www.mja.com.au

Aboriginal health in NSW

NSW Public Health Bulletin

This special issue of the Bulletin provides an opportunity to take stock after a year since the

NSW Government took office, and offers a number of perspectives on working in Aboriginal

health and doing it better in the future.http://www.publish.csiro.au

LOWITJA INSTITUTE E-BULLETIN (subscribe at http://www.lowitja.org.au)

9 July 2012

* NAIDOC Week

* Congress Lowitja 2012 Awards

* CQI Conference presentations

* Continuous Quality Improvement tools

* Research Priorities Report

* Published by the Lowitja Institute

* Health Heroes campaign

* National Aboriginal and Islander Children's Day 4 August 2012

* 2011 Australian Census data

* Dr Ross Ingram Memorial Prize 2012: Extended Deadline

* Conferences and Calls for Abstracts

* Events

* Jobs

* Media

* Publications

* Resources and Websites

* Scholarships, Awards, Funding, Grants and Tenders

* Seminars, Courses and Workshops

JOIN Friends

Are you a Friend?

Friends of the Alliance is a network of people and organisations working to improve health

and well being in rural and remote Australia by supporting the National Rural Health

Alliance. The primary aim of Friends is to support the work of the National Rural Health

Alliance and to facilitate communication among people and organisations interested in health

issues in rural and remote Australia.

The National Rural Health Alliance values the support of Friends and the contributions they

make to the work of the Alliance

Members of Friends receive discount registrations to the NRHA bi-annual National

Conference as well as a membership pack including twenty-one years of policy, conference

papers and research information on DVD. Organisations joining Friends receive a link to

their website.

For more information on becoming a Friend go to http://www.ruralhealth.org.au/friends

ACRRM COUNTRY WATCH

4 July 2012

* John Flynn mentors share $2,000 prizes

* 'Inspirational' ACRRM Fellow awarded Antarctic Medal

* First with national AMC accreditation for PESCIs

* Practice makes perfect (espresso, latte, or long black)

* New! The free GP guide to Parkinson's disease

* $40,000 grants for GPs to train in anaesthetics or obstetrics

* Update on silicone breast implants: safety of breast feeding

* 2012 Remote Medical Education Conference

* Rural and Remote Mental Health Symposium: Abstracts close 23 July

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT NEWS

Better broadband for remote and digital Australia

Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital

Economy Senator Stephen Conroy announced the next round of high-speed satellite and fixed

wireless broadband for regional and remote Australia.

http://www.pm.gov.au

http://www.minister.dbcde.gov.au

e-Mental Health Portal Launched

Australia's first national e-mental health online portal has been launched by Minister for

Mental Health Mark Butler. The new portal, mindhealthconnect, is designed to provide a

trustworthy source of information, support and a gateway to therapy for people seeking help

for mental health disorders.

http://www.health.gov.au

mindhealthconnect available at http://www.mindhealthconnect.org.au/

HIV POSITIVE PEOPLE AT HIGHER RISK OF HEART ATTACK

Thanks to modern medicine, people living with HIV are living longer, however they are also

experiencing more chronic diseases such as heart disease - the number one killer of

Australians. To support people living with HIV the Heart Foundation has developed a

resource, Cardiovascular wellness for people living with HIV. Australians living with HIV

have higher smoking rates than HIV-negative people (around 42%, compared with 17% of

Australian population), and often report high blood cholesterol levels, due to medicines used

to treat HIV (42% had reported raised blood cholesterol). Both are modifiable risk factors for

heart disease. For more information contact our Health Information Service on 1300 36 27 87

or visit www.heartfoundation.org.au/hiv

AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF RURAL HEALTH

The Australian Journal of Rural Health is a multidisciplinary journal, which aims to facilitate

the formation of interdisciplinary networks to build and advance rural practice for all health

professionals. Get published in the Australian Journal of Rural Health! The Journal welcomes

short reports and letters to the editor as well as review articles, original research articles and

clinical perspectives. For useful tips on submitting your manuscript, read the FREE editorial,

How to get published in the Australian Journal of Rural Health.

Manuscripts can be submitted online at http://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/ajrh Manuscript

Central or posted to AJRH. The Australian Journal of Rural Health is published on behalf of

the National Rural Health Alliance by Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd 155 Cremorne

Street Richmond Vic 3121

Tel +61 (0)3 9274 3100 Fax +61 (0)3 9274 3101 E-mail melbourne@johnwiley.com.au

June 2012 issue now available. Contents include:

Editorial - Rural residents need research

Review Article - Northern Territory Emergency Response: Criticism, support and redesign

Food scarcity, not economic constraint limits consumption in a rural Aboriginal community

The benefits of a tailor-made pilot primary health-care course for Indigenous high school

students in remote Queensland

In the wake of the 2009 Gippsland fires: Young adults' perceptions of post-disaster social

supports

Mental health and well-being in resident mine workers: Out of the fly-in fly-out box

Cardiovascular risk factors and psychological distress in Australian farming communities

Issues with medication supply and management in a rural community in Queensland

Trade-off between local access and safety considerations in childbirth: Rural Tasmanian

women's perspectives

Who brings dengue into North Queensland? A descriptive, exploratory study

Celebrating another decade of progress in rural health: What is the current state of play?

Book Review - Deadly Healthcare

From the Journal Associates

CRANAplus 30th National Conference in Cairns Queensland 24-27 October 2012

Holistic health care in rural India

Further information at http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/loi/ajr

LIFELINE INFORMATION SERVICE

The Lifeline Information Service provides access to a variety of self-help tool kits with

information about issues such as mental illness, depression, suicide prevention, and more.

Theses resources focus on practical steps to help promote mental health and are available

online at http://www.lifeline.org.au/infoservice. A limited number of printed tool kits are

available on request by emailing infoservice@lifeline.org.au. For more information please

visit http://www.lifeline.org.au. If you are in need of 24 hour crisis support, call Lifeline on

13 11 14

DOUBTS OVER NEED FOR RURAL GP PAHTWAY: RACGP (Extract from A

HREF="http://links.reedbusiness.mkt4198.com/ctt?kn=31&ms=NDQ5Mjg0MQS2&r=NDY

2NzI3ODczMQS2&b=2&j=NDgxMzY0MDIS1&mt=1&rt=0">Australian Doctor)

It's being touted as the biggest initiative in a generation to raise up rural doctors, but the

RACGP says it is unsure about the need for a National Advanced Rural Training Pathway.

Dr Kathy Kirkpatrick, chair of the RACGP national rural faculty recently told Australian

Doctor: "I'm undecided on whether we need a national rural training pathway ... Each state is

different and has its own workforce requirements."

The Salvos are among those at the coalface in rural areas with suicide prevention -

http://suicideprevention.salvos.org.au/

RURAL QUOTAS OF 35% URGED FOR MEDICAL SCHOOLS (Extract from 6minutes)

Medical schools must reserve a third of places for students committed to practice in rural

areas, a health policy adviser has told a Senate committee (link) into rural health workforce

shortages. Professor John Dwyer also says a rural medical student needs to be redefined as

someone who intends to practice in the bush, and who is trained in much-needed procedural

techniques as well as in team care.

RURAL HEALTH ON THE ABC

Study finds high rate of mental illness among Indigenous prisoners (The World Today -

02/07/2012)

http://abcmail.net.au

Improving Indigenous health through song (The World Today - 06/07/2012)

http://abcmail.net.au

Australian Organ Donor Register is Australia's only national organ and tissue donor

register and serves as a lifeline to the people on the organ transplant waiting lists. Register

online at http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/public/services/aodr/register.jsp to be an

Australian Organ Donor now!

INDIGENOUS INMATES NEED BETTER MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES (Extract from The Conversation)

Aboriginal people in custody are in urgent need of improved mental health services,

according to the authors of a study that found many Indigenous adults in Queensland jails

have at least one mental disorder.

BUSH SUPPORT SERVICES (formerly Bush Crisis Line) - 1800 805 391 The Bush Support Services Line is a 24 hour confidential telephone support service for

workers, and their families, who work in health related services in remote and isolated

situations. It is staffed by qualified psychologists with remote and cross cultural experience,

is toll free and available from anywhere in Australia. For more information:

http://www.bss.crana.org.au

GET REGIONAL Get Regional is the new information and referral service for people living and working

throughout country Australia. Engaging and interacting rural, regional and remote

communities, via dynamic interactive technologies, to ensure a more sustainable future for

the bush. The most up-to-date and independent information service with a wide range of

broadcast distribution services.

http://getregional.com.au

ARTICLES IN RURAL AND REMOTE HEALTH

'Small rural maternity units without caesarean delivery capabilities: is it safe and sustainable

in the eyes of health professionals in Tasmania?'

In the context of the rapid disappearance of small rural maternity units in rural Australia, is

what rural women want sustainable and safe? Tasmanian maternity health providers discuss

a different model of care.

http://www.rrh.org.au

'The challenges confronting clinicians in rural acute care settings: a participatory research

project'

This 3 phase Australian participatory research study provides insight into the working world

of acute care rural clinicians. The participants from New South Wales identify challenges to

rural practice but also make a positive contribution with practical solutions and strategies

unique to the rural sphere of practice.

http://www.rrh.org.au

2012 PHC Research Conference 'Inform, Influence, Implement: Research improving

policy and practice' Canberra

18 - 20 July 2012

This is the premier annual primary health care research meeting. Delegates include primary

health care researchers, allied health practitioners, general practitioners, academics, policy

makers, decision makers, consumers and students.

http://www.phcris.org.au/conference/2012

World Health Care Networks Conference 26 - 28 July

Cairns

'Connecting Globally, Achieving Locally'

Common health system challenges and an international commitment to reach the Millennium

Development Goals (MDGs) are helping to drive solidarity and cohesion within the global

health community - particularly under the auspice of a renewed comprehensive primary

health care agenda. World Health Care Networks (WHCN) was created to foster and

promote this solidarity and synergism between national and international stakeholders by

facilitating and promoting linkages and partnerships. In achieving this, the WHCN 2012

Conference will act as a platform for you to meet, connect and build prosperous relationships

with global health and social care leaders who share a common interest in improving health

outcomes for the world's population, rich and poor. Registrations are open.

http://whcnetworks.com/

2012 REMOTE MEDICAL EDUCATION CONFERENCE

The Remote Vocational Training Scheme (RVTS) is staging the 2012 Remote Medical

Education Conference in on July 27-28 at the Amora Hotel, Sydney. The Conference will

bring together leading individuals and organisations involved in remote medical education to

share experiences and explore innovation in the following areas:

* Remote medical education & supervision

* New technologies & e-learning

* mpact of e-health initiatives

* Best practice for remote medical education methods of teaching and learning

* Remote medical training in the indigenous context.

The event will be large enough to investigate the big topics, while small enough to encourage

networking and the development of collaborative arrangements. For more information and

registration details please visit http://www.rvts.org.au or call (02) 6021 6764.

2012 Mount Isa Remote Health Conference: Are You Remotely Internested ... in

Prevention - Building a Culture of Safety 1 - 4 August, 2012

Mount Isa, Queensland, Australia.

The Mount Isa Centre for Rural and Remote Health (MICRRH) is proud to announce the 6th

Biennial Conference in the "Are you remotely interested...?" series, to be held in Mount Isa

from the 1st to 4th August 2012 . The themes for this conference, while continuing past

themes of remote possibility, challenge and bringing evidence into practice, will have a focus

on Injury Prevention, Farm Safety, Occupational Health and Safety, Rural and Remote

Workforce. It will also explore themes around Clinical Training and Simulation, Cultural

Safety, Prevention and Innovation.

The Conference Streams are:

* Occupational Health & Safety

* Rural and Remote workforce, Clinical Training, Simulation and Cultural Safety

* Prevention

* Innovation

To ensure there is a focus on injury prevention, Farmsafe will hold in conjunction with us

their biennial conference and the first day of the conference will be dedicated to farm health

and safety issues as well as the wider exploration of rural injury prevention. As per usual the

calendar of events includes many social and networking opportunities and chances to see

Mount Isa and the region.

There will also be a range of pre- and post-conference workshops available, but places will

be strictly limited, so keep an eye out for updates!

http://www.micrrh.jcu.edu.au/conferences-workshops/2012-remotely-interested/

13th International Mental Health Conference 6 - 8 August 2012

Outrigger, Surfers Paradise Qld

The theme is 'Positive Change; Investing in Mental Health'. Mental health awareness and

wellbeing strategies are urgent public concerns. Mental illness has the third highest burden

of disease in Australia with approximately 45% of adults experiencing a mental illness at

some stage of their lives, including alcohol or substance abuse disorders. The Conference

will focus on the complex mental issues affecting the elderly including depression, dementia,

delirium, paranoid disorders and anxiety. It will also explore the mental health issues of

young Australians (aged 18-24 years) struggling with schizophrenia, depression, suicidal

thoughts, bipolar, anxiety disorders and drug use and drug induced psychosis. The

conference will examine state, federal, international and COAG initiatives, early intervention

strategies, validated treatments, suicide prevention and the effectiveness of mental health

preventive measures.

The conference website is at http://www.anzmh.asn.au/conference

National Australian Conference on Evidence-Based Clinical leadership 13 - 14 August

Mercure Grosvenor Hotel, Adelaide

The Joanna Briggs Institute would like to invite you to attend the National Australian

Conference on Evidence-Based Clinical Leadership. The theme of this year's conference is

'Transforming Clinical Leaders to Reform Healthcare'. The focus of this conference is to:

* Promote the exchange of knowledge related to evidence-based leadership in health care

* Explore opportunities for collaboration across health disciplines to promote and support

evidence-based approaches to clinical decision making

* Share and explore different approaches to evidence utilisation at the point of care

* Encourage clinical leaders and promote and foster leadership skills in clinical settings at

all levels

The conference will also present important networking opportunities by bringing together:

evidence-based researchers, students, guideline developers, clinicians, educators, policy

makers, administrators and consumers - all with the shared goal of reforming healthcare into

the future. Call for Abstracts is also open and further information can be found on the

website. To register or to find out more please visit http://www.joannabriggs.edu.au

Why is oral health getting the brush-off? 15 August 2012

Canberra

Much is expected in the May Budget for improved oral health for people in need. Whatever

the Treasurer announces, it will be only a start on national work to meet the enormous need

in the area, including where rural areas are concerned. Five peak bodies are coming

together to keep a focus on what needs to be done to provide fairer access, especially for

disadvantaged groups. Better oral health is essential. Bad oral health is prevantable. Lend

your support to this vital and achievable cause. Set aside Wednesday 15 August, Canberra -

and watch the Alliance website at http://nrha.ruralhealth.org.au/?IntCatId=14 (and those of

AHHA, ACOSS, PHAA and AHCRA) for further program details.

7th Annual Emerging Health Policy Research Conference 'Putting the balance back into

diet' 15 August 2012

The University of Sydney, Sydney

Presented by the Menzies Centre for Health Policy, the conference will showcase the work in

progress of current doctoral and early career research workers, as well as those new to the

field of health policy research. Research workers from all areas of health policy-including

international health, health systems, history of public health, Indigenous health, health

economics, health promotion and sociology-are invited to submit an abstract of their

presentation. Call for abstracts - closing date is 2 July 2012.

http://www.menzieshealthpolicy.edu.au

Bridging the AT Gap, ARATA National Conference Wednesday 22 - Friday 24 August 2012

Sydney, NSW

The ARATA 2012 Conference: "Bridging the AT Gap" will provide all stakeholders the

opportunity to share their knowledge, experience and expertise to help bridge the AT gap

between clients, technology, funding and policy. We would like to invite you to participate at

"Bridging the AT Gap". This is an opportunity to become an integral part of the development

and implementation of Assistive Technology while helping to influence thinking, increase

understanding and improve the experience for all stakeholders.

Further information and enquiries.

A.M. Meetings Plus P/L, Conference Management

Phone: +61 (0)3 9372 7182

Email: arata12@ammp.com.au

Website: http://www.arata.org.au

WA Carers Conference 2012: Caring at the Crossroads Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre

23 - 24 August 2012

The Conference theme is Caring at the Crossroads. National carer recognition legislation,

the National Carer Strategy, and national and state reforms in health, mental health, aged

care and disability support, have presented carers with a new road map to navigate access to

services, both on their own behalf, and with the person they support. You may be in a

position to share information with carers about the way forward.

Streams - Mental health and wellbeing, Services, supports and skills, Transitions in caring,

future planning, New research projects for carers and caring.

http://www.wacarersconference2012.com.au/

Aeromedical Society of Australasia & Flight Nurses Australia 24th Scientific Meeting 29 Aug - 1 Sep Cairns.

http://www.aeromedconference.org.au/

21st National Conference on Incontinence A joint meeting with the International Urogynaecological Association (IUGA) and

UroGynaecological Society of Australasia (UGSA)

4 - 8 September 2012

Brisbane QLD.

http://www.continence.org.au

LCANZ 7 - 9 September 2012

Sydney

Join your fellow health professionals including lactation consultants, maternal child health

nurses, Plunket nurses, midwives, GPs, paediatricians, neonatal nurses and other interested

participants as we discuss the conference theme, "Breastfeeding - the blueprint for life",

across three days of workshops, plenary, concurrent and poster sessions. Prime networking

opportunities will also be available at the conference trade exhibition, welcome reception

and special gala dinner.

Keynote speakers

Ann-Marie Widstrom - Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, on skin-to-skin contact and the first

hours after birth.

Cathy Watson Genna - Private practice IBCLC, New York City, USA, author of "Supporting

Sucking Skills in Breastfeeding Infants"

Sheela Geraghty - Cincinnati Children's Center for Breastfeeding Medicine, USA, on current

trends in breast milk expression and milk sharing

Other exciting speakers to be confirmed.

http://www.lcanz.org/conference2012.htm

Catherine Buckley

Secretariat

Lactation Consultants of Australia & New Zealand Ltd

PO Box A811

Sydney South NSW 1235

AUSTRALIA

tel +61 2 8211 2704 | fax +61 2 8211 0555

e info@lcanz.org

w http://www.lcanz.org

Population Health Congress Adelaide Convention Centre

10 - 12 September 2012

The overall theme of this four-yearly event is 'Population Health in a Changing World'.

Conference website is at http://www.conferenceco.com.au/PopHealth/Index.html

CAPHIA 2012 Public Health Teaching & Learning Forum 13 - 14 September,

Adelaide

http://caphia.com.au/events.php?event_id=38&PHPSESSID=d1b6724396439caa4945f9ea6

252091a

Congress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurses, 14th National Conference

'Gettin' There' 19 - 21 September

Cairns, Qld

You are invited to submit an abstract by 29 June 2012.

http://www.indiginet.com.au/catsin/

Chronic Diseases Network Conference 2012 'Promoting Healthy Childhood - Preventing

Chronic Conditions 20 - 21 September 2012

Darwin

The conference program will explore the range of factors during the early years that

contribute to chronic diseases later in life. Chronic diseases can be the result of influences

during pregnancy, childhood, or adolescence. Influences on chronic conditions later in life

include, but are not limited to, whether a mother smokes in pregnancy, a child's diet and level

of physical activity, exposure to domestic violence, parenting, and social determinants of

health such as level of schooling, and the socioeconomic status of the family.

http://www.cdnconference.com.au

Sowing the Seeds of Farmer Health 2nd Biennial National Centre for Farmer Health Conference

Monday 17 - Wednesday 19 September 2012

Hamilton Performing Art Centre, VIC

The Biennial National Centre for Farmer Health conference engages health and agri-

professionals alike to raise awareness and develop strategies to improve agricultural health,

well-being and safety. 'Sowing the Seeds of Farmer Health' conference themes include;

* Mental health - Wagging the black dog's tail

* Chronic disease and healthy lifestyles - Feast or famine

* Agricultural hazards and safety - Reducing harm on the farm

* Agriculture in a changing climate - It's not always fair weather farming

* The business of farming - Being productive in a digital landscape

* Human and animal health - All creatures great and small

* Ageing in place on farm - Duty of care versus dignity of risk

* Lucky dip - Tell us your specialty!

http://www.farmerhealth.org.au/conference2012/home

NCFH Photography Competition: 'In Focus - Celebrating Farm Life'

Hamilton Art Gallery, VIC

Exhibition: 29 August - 14 October 2012

Entries Close: 1st August 2012

The photography competition is part of the 2012 National Centre for Farmer Health (NCFH)

conference, exhibiting entries from across the nation that 'Celebrate Farm Life'. The

competition showcases the talents of primary, secondary and open section photographers,

with winners announced at the Conference Welcome Reception on Monday 17th September

2012. More information on photography competition and the NCFH biennial conference

'Sowing the Seeds of Farmer Health' at www.farmerhealth.org.au/conference2012/home.

Contact: Felicity Little, Event Coordinator

National Centre for Farmer Health

Felicity.Little@wdhs.net or (03) 5551 8533

International Network of Indigenous Health Knowledge and Development Conference Brisbane, at the University of Queensland, St Lucia Campus

24 - 28 September 2012

The INIHKD is an international assembly dedicated to improving the lives of Indigenous

peoples globally through Indigenous and community-led research, health services and

workforce development. It facilitates a framework for the exchange of ideas, models and

experiences in three main categories: Education, Training and Workforce; Health Services;

and Research. The theme for this conference is Building Resilience: Renewing Individuals,

Families and Communities. The aim is to translate new knowledge from the research setting

to real-world applications in order to provide more effective services, thereby improving the

future for Indigenous people. Streams include: Using resilience to Close the Gap; Urban

Resilience; Regional/Remote Resilience; Existing Resilience; Resilience through Indigenous

Cooperatives; Resilient Research: what are the priorities; and Resilient Policies. For more

information, please contact Lynda Caldwell at lynda.caldwell@hotmail.com

6th Pacific Region Indigenous Doctors Congress 1 - 6 October

Alice Springs, NT

http://www.pridoc.org/

38th International Mental Health Nursing Conference 3 - 5 October 2012

Darwin

This year's theme, The Fabric of Life, reflects the historical, cultural and social significance

of fabrics in the region, for Indigenous as well as non-Indigenous Australians and for people

from across the Asia Pacific. Throughout the world and throughout history, fabric has had a

defining place in society and cultural identity. It is both literally and figuratively part of every

person's life from the new born baby's bunny rug to the funeral shroud. Speakers and

delegates are invited to consider the significance of mental health and mental health nursing

in the construction of individual and social narratives as they relate to the theme...there are

so many connections to explore here e.g. how we weave person centred care into our work;

the detailed tapestry that is mental health, physical health and wellbeing; exploration of the

patterns of life in our work with people who are vulnerable... The Darwin committee believe

that our theme will provide opportunity for speakers to address a wide range of mental health

issues.

http://conventionhouse.com.au/acmhn2012/

The Seventh World Conference on the Promotion of Mental Health and Prevention of

Mental and Behavioural Disorders (Incorporating Our Mob, Our Minds, Our Spirit

Conference) 17 - 19 October 2012

Perth

http://www.perth2012.org

CRANAplus 30th Annual Conference - "our pearl anniversary" "Remote Pearls of Wisdom"

24 - 27 Oct 2012

The Sebel, Cairns

http://www.crana.org.au/201-cranaplus-30th-conference-.html

Breast Cancer Network Australia National Conference Financial support available for rural health professionals & women

Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) is delighted to be holding a two-day national

conference in Sydney on 25 and 26 October as part of the Sydney International Breast

Cancer Congress. The conference will allow health professionals and women to network and

socialise, hear from world leading authorities and to debate the key issues in breast cancer

research, treatment and care. To find out more about the conference, program and financial

support visit BCNA's website at http://www.bcna.org.au/events/bcna-conferences/national-

conference-2012

1st Biennial Australian Implementation Conference 'Making Change Happen' focusing on

the effective implementation of initiatives in the health, education and human service

sectors 25 - 26 October 2012

Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre

This groundbreaking conference will provide a unique opportunity for researchers, policy-

makers, service providers, project managers and practitioners working in the health,

education and human services sectors to come together to share their knowledge, insights

and practical experiences on what we can collectively do to ensure that 'the change we want

is the change we get' when policies, programs and practices are implemented in 'real world

settings'. Call for abstracts - closing date is 1 July.

http://www.ausimplementationconference.net.au/

Rural Medicine Australia 2012 Fremantle

25 - 28 October

RMA 2012 will be held in Fremantle, WA. It will have the added attraction of being a

scientific forum. To be sure you do not miss out on your preferred workshops and sessions

next year, make a diary note to register early - and consider presenting your work as

research.

http://www.acrrm.com.au/

Rural Health and Research Congress 5 - 7 November 2012

Wagga Wagga, NSW

Abstracts closing date is 29 June 2012

http://www.hotelnetwork.com.au/conferences/Conferences/rural_health

First International Conference on Law Enforcement and Public Health 11 - 13 November 2012

Melbourne

This conference is about the inter-relationship of law enforcement and public health, with

invited papers from world experts in specific aspects of this relationship, from multiple

sectors and disciplines; and case studies of successful collaborations of police and public

health across a wide range of issues. Find out more at the conference website

http://www.policing-and-public-health.com/

Congress Lowitja 2012 14 - 15 November 2012

Melbourne

http://www.lowitja.org.au

4th Australian Rural and Remote Mental Health Symposium "Putting People First: Mental Health Needs and Initiatives in Australia Rural and Remote

Communities"

19 - 21 November

Hotel Grand Chancellor on Hindley, Adelaide

http://anzmh.asn.au/rrmh/

First National Sexual & Reproductive Health Conference 20 - 21 November 2012

Hilton on the Park, Melbourne

http://www.phaa.net.au/NSRHConference.php

Research Symposium: The future of primary health care in Australia: opportunities and

constraints 27 - 29 November 2012

Alice Springs

Hosted by the SA Community Health Research Unit and the Central Australian Aboriginal

Congress, the symposium is a chance to participate in a summit engaging policy makers,

health service executives, managers, and practitioners and researchers in dialogue. You will

also be able to discuss emerging results from NHMRC-funded research on primary health

care models in Australia. This dynamic symposium will feature international guest speakers

and panel discussions with representatives from Medicare Locals, the Aboriginal Community

Controlled sector, specialist NGOs, South Australian GP Plus and other PHC policy experts.

http://www.flinders.edu.au

12th National Rural Health Conference: Strong Commitment. Bright Future

7 - 10 April 2013

Adelaide, SA If you are committed to a bright future for people living in rural and remote Australia mark

this date in your diary now and come to Adelaide in April 2013. The first Conference

Advisory Committee has been held and planning has commenced. You will receive a call for

abstracts postcard with the next edition of Party-line so start planting ideas if you have

something innovative to share with the rural and remote health community. The Conference

website will soon be updated with all the important information like closing dates and

abstract and paper guidelines.

Further information: 02 6285 4660 or conference@ruralhealth.org.au

7th Australian Women's Conference 'Gender Matters: Determining Women's Health' 7-10

May 2013, Sydney The conference will continue Australia's focus on showcasing cutting edge research and best

practice approaches in women's health policy and practice locally, across Australia and

internationally.

http://www.womenshealth2013.org.au/

International Council of Nurses 25th Quadrennial Congress 18 - 23 May 2013

Melbourne

http://www.icn.ch

CONTRIBUTION AND SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION AND DISCLAIMER

The NRHA e-forum is published fortnightly. Contributions are sought on any topic relevant

to rural health concerns. Please send contributions to the moderator at

grovesc@winshop.com.au (do not "reply" to this email - send contributions to

grovesc@winshop.com.au). Contributions received by the Friday of publication will be

included in the e-forum.

The NRHA e-forum is edited by a third party moderator, Jim Groves. As such, the Alliance

does not control postings and the contents do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the

Alliance. Nor do postings necessarily reflect the views of Jim Groves or any organisation he

is associated with. Jim Groves can be contacted at grovesc@winshop.com.au

Please forward a copy to any colleague you think may be interested.