University Centre for Rural Health

Fantastic to see four UCRH projects/researchers supported through the HEAL National Research Network latest Innovation Fund. HEAL's focus is to facilitate research, knowledge exchange and translation into policy and practice that will bring measurable improvements to our health, the health system and the environment. We're delighted to see the work of Caroline Deen, Rebecca McNaught, Veronica Matthews and Amal Chakraborty funded. More information on HEAL's website: https://lnkd.in/exC9U-C7

We're sensitive about sharing details of this Research Seminar given current weather warnings, but perhaps the conditions make it even more timely. Join us on Thursday 20 March (4-5pm, in-person or zoom) to hear insights from new UCRH research looking at connections between grassroots groups and disaster management agencies during and after climate-related disasters. Find all the details on our website, and please stay safe this week: https://lnkd.in/gdRt3J7H

Western Sydney University medical students with us on placement had the chance recently to be part of a simulation-based event known as Ward On Call. These sessions are based on classic ward calls, something junior doctors will be asked to respond to during their first year of internship. The sessions give them a chance to hone their skills in quickly assessing patients who might be suffering from hypotension, shortness of breath or pain. They can learn how best to interact with nursing colleagues, communicate concerns to seniors and how to developing clear priorities even if there are elements of uncertainty. Thanks to Dr Martin Duffy, UCRH Critical Care Academic Lead; Rebecca Austin, UCRH Clinical Skills Educator and special guest from Lismore Base Hospital's Critical Care team Dr Dominic Givney for facilitating the session.

Exciting news: from today students and health practitioners training at UCRH have access to a new, world-class maternal and birthing simulator called MamaAnne. UCRH is the first location in Australia to take delivery of the MamaAnne simulator, and one of the first sites internationally to use the newly released training tool. UCRH’s Director Victoria Flood said MamaAnne was an important addition to UCRH’s Simulation Centre capacity. “MamaAnne’s arrival allows those coming through our Simulation Centre to have immersive and technology-enhanced training,” she said. “From medical students to doctors to midwifes, this means we can help students and health professionals, develop and fine-tune their skills, thanks to incredibly realistic simulation-based learning.” MamaAnne’s first use at UCRH was led by Clinical Skills and Simulation Educator, Rebecca Austin at a session with Medicine and Health - University of Sydney students on a year-long rural placement. The students are doing a term focused on perinatal and women’s health. We couldn't be more excited about this new arrival and you can read more about MamaAnne on our website: https://lnkd.in/gueHGKGY

A new delivery? Our staff are labouring away in preparation for something (someone) to make its entry into our world soon. A few nerves, but plenty of excitement here as the due date is tomorrow. Stay tuned for all the stats and facts, minus the lame maternity-related puns!

UCRH's Jodie Bailie is one of the authors of a recent piece of research looking at rural nursing and allied health placements during the latter stage of the COVID-19 crisis. Head to our website to read more about the research and to read the full publication: https://lnkd.in/gVg9Bk54

Want to keep calm and carry on when things get critical? If the answer is yes, and you're a health professional who needs to brush up on life support skills and certification, we've got the course for you. Over 24-25 March our Simulation Centre is running an Adult Advanced Life Support course covering adult basic and advanced life support in a critical care clinical setting, with assessment for certification for both on the second day. No chalkboards involved, but all the latest Australian Resuscitation Council Statements on Basic and Advanced Life Support and current ANZCOR guidelines, incorporating theoretical lectures, clinical skill stations, and simulation scenarios. Find all the costs, details and register at: https://lnkd.in/gSsYhK4w

Join us in-person (61 Uralba Street, Lismore) or via Zoom for the next UCRH Research Seminar. Focusing on community-led grassroots organising during and after climate-related disasters like bushfires and floods, our speakers will argue the need for cultural shift within disaster management agencies to enhance recognition, relationships of trust, and collaboration.

Fantastic to see so many familiar in the photo of new Lismore Base Hospital junior doctors. We're super proud to see so many of the students who undertook rural placements with UCRH make the choice to stay on in Lismore. Great for their future and great for the local community. Fantastic to be able to work with Northern NSW Local Health District and Northern NSW Regional Training Hub to continue to support the next generation of health professionals. Read the story: https://lnkd.in/gH5ZtvnG

How can we support older rural women to plan for their next visit to the GP? UCRH researcher Mohammad Hamiduzzaman was the lead author on a recent journal article looking at older rural women’s participation in clinical decision-making with GPs and exploring factors associated with their pre-visit planning and involvement in treatment processes. Head to our website to read more about empowering healthcare professionals and policymakers to implement effective strategies in this area: https://lnkd.in/gBM-wYAD