$22 million boost for Whyalla and the region

Monday, 5 November 2001

Adelaide University and the University of South Australia have secured funding totaling $22 million over the next five years for the South Australian Centre for Rural and Remote Health (SACRRH) and the Adelaide University Rural Clinical School, based in Whyalla.

Centre Director Professor David Wilkinson said that a new contract valued at $7.5 million over the next five years had been secured from the Federal Department of Health and Aged Care for SACRRH, allowing it to continue the work started in 1998.

"The contract secures around 20 jobs and ensures several major project initiatives will continue," Professor Willkinson said. "These include recruitment of rural doctors in partnership with the state workforce agency; development of new models of rural medical practices run by the University (such as those in Whyalla, Coober Pedy and Ceduna); and a multi-site program developing novel models of chronic disease self-management."

In addition, a contract valued at $ 2.5 million per year for five years (totaling almost $13.5 million) has been secured for the new Rural Clinical School. The School will be based in Whyalla but will also have learning centres in Port Augusta, Port Pirie, the Yorke Peninsula, Booleroo Centre, Coober Pedy and Ceduna. Already substantial capital works have been completed on the Whyalla Campus of the University of South Australia and the Whyalla Hospital, with new offices and student learning space developed. Major new information technology infrastructure has been established, and several new jobs created. A $1 million contract to refurbish offices, student learning space, and accommodation has been signed, and work will begin in all learning centres in the next few months.

The Rural Clinical School will provide substantial clinical training for Adelaide University medical students in general practice, obstetrics, surgery, medicine, paediatrics and Aboriginal Health. Students will come to the country for several weeks on clinical placement.

Through SACRRH, students in nursing, pharmacy and allied health disciplines such as physiotherapy and podiatry will also come to the country on placement. The Centre will continue its wide range of projects in partnership with many community groups and professional organisations. To date, these projects have generated $6 million in grant income for the region.

For organizational reasons, the two universities have now created the Spencer Gulf Rural Health School, comprising SACRRH and the Rural Clinical School.

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